Tech-voc training for displaced local, overseas workers pushed

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon is requesting the Department of Manpower Development and Placement (DMDP) to work with the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) regional office and the private sector to offer short-term skills training programs on technical-vocational courses for the displaced workers-- both domestic and overseas.

Dizon said this is to help them develop alternative skills and competencies for potential sources of income or self-help livelihood activities during this time of serious economic uncertainties brought about by the global health crisis.

He is likewise requesting DMDP to formulate an economic program for displaced workers which includes provision of skills, livelihood, and entrepreneurial trainings in the city’s transition plan under the “new normal."

Dizon is pushing for the approval of his proposed resolution on the matter in the next City Council session.

"As the city would eventually transition to another quarantine measure and the 'new normal' that allows easing up of restrictions and partial opening of business, an economic program especially creation of livelihood and employment opportunities for our displaced domestic workers and OFWs shall form part of the city’s transition plan," said Dizon.

He added that it has been observed that people are becoming creative and entrepreneurial at this time of pandemic by doing business at home and selling them via online platforms such as food production, selling of other basic food commodities such as fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and other health-related items useful and relevant at this time of crisis.

Dizon said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) initially estimated that some 250,000 or even more OFWs would lose their jobs due to the COVID-18 pandemic.

"These numbers are overwhelming and would translate into serious economic suffering for our people given the uncertainties of this Covid-19 pandemic," said Dizon.  FPL (FREEMAN)