Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre "Bebot" Bello III has won the "Natatanging Cagayano Award" in the Dangal ng Lahing Cagayano 2021, the DOLE Regional Office (RO) 2 bared.
Bello, who traces his roots in Gattaran, Cagayan and Ilagan City, Isabela, has been the DOLE’s secretary since 2016. He has been consistently praised by President Duterte for carrying out programs that benefit Filipino laborers, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The RO said Bello has contributed a lot to the promotion and protection of workers’ rights and the attainment of decent employment in the Cagayan Valley region, and the country as a whole, through his leadership in the implementation of DOLE’s various programs and services.
In 2020 amid the raging threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Bello led the provision of the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) assistance for pandemic-affected formal sector workers--the first emergency assistance of its kind created since the implementation of community quarantines in the country.
During the massive flooding caused by typhoons in Cagayan and Isabela provinces last year, Bello also facilitated the provision of assistance to displaced workers, particularly via the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
More than 20,000 informal sector workers affected by the flooding were assisted by the agency.
To assist in the peace and development efforts and in keeping with his role as the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS), Bello recently earmarked a total of P50 million worth of livelihood funds intended for the 100 influenced barangays in Region 2. This will contribute to the goal of ending local communist armed conflict, the department said.
"Bello continues to break barriers as to what a Cagayano can achieve and hopes to continually inspire others through his work and dedication to public service," the RO said.
Bello is a former congressman, justice secretary, and Philippine government peace panel chairman opposite the Reds.