Save and create jobs

          Workers in the merchandise export sector and overseas Filipinos are particularly vulnerable in the global crisis.

          Interventions by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration for returning overseas Filipinos include the following:

• Monitor overseas labor market displacements
• Monitor contracts of job orders to determine any decrease in overseas labor demand
• Worker registration
• Redeployment services to other emerging labor markets
• Identify and develop new market niches
• Repatriation assistance
• Expand livelihood/business formation programs
• Strengthen reintegration and business counseling services
• Skills upgrading and retooling services

          For export workers, DOLE created quick response teams in its regional offices. Together with local companies, these teams established an early warning system to know which firms are likely to shut down or shed workers. Affected workers get assistance in claiming unpaid salaries, job placement and/or livelihood programs.

          DOLE is pushing for alternatives to laying off workers, including shortened work shifts, maximized vacation leaves and rotating forced leaves, among others.

          Comprehensive livelihood and emergency employment programs are also in place to support job generation. These programs are aligned to Super Region* priorities, the needs of the 12 poorest and food poor provinces, and the food poor in Metro Manila.

* Super regions is an agglomeration of regions built around the following strategic themes: North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle, Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines, Agribusiness Mindanao and Cyber Philippines

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