DOLE taps local labor hubs for displaced construction workers
By Trixee Rosel
At A Glance
- DOLE mobilizes regional offices and PESOs to assist construction workers displaced by public infrastructure slowdowns.
- Agency monitors unemployment and provides support programs to help affected workers secure alternative livelihoods.
With only a few days before Labor Day, jobseekers troop to the job fair at the Quezon City Hall grounds, April 28, 2016, hoping to get a job that would be able to help them with their finances. (Mark Balmores)
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has directed all Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) to provide immediate assistance to construction workers affected by slowdowns in public infrastructure projects.
DOLE said its regional offices are coordinating with PESOs to connect displaced workers with available jobs and support programs.
“We have given a directive to our Public Employment Service Offices to monitor those who have lost their jobs and bring them closer to job vacancies within their municipalities, cities, and provinces,” DOLE said.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that about 550,000 construction workers have recently lost employment.
Slowdowns in government infrastructure projects, particularly amid controversies surrounding flood control initiatives, were a major factor, it said.
DOLE stressed that its regional offices are actively safeguarding the welfare of displaced workers.
The agency is also investigating rising construction sector unemployment to prevent further job losses.