Zamboanga sibugay: An employment initiative launched by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to benefit 200 residents in Zamboanga Sibugay province, specifically in the towns of Roseller T. Lim and Titay.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula Director Albert Gutib announced that the selected beneficiaries will participate in Project Local Adaptation to Water Access (LAWA) and Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished (BINHI), which are part of DSWD's climate-resilience and food-security program. The residents underwent an orientation on Tuesday conducted by officials from both departments to prepare for their 20-day employment period.
Director Gutib highlighted that through DOLE-Zamboanga Peninsula's Emergency Employment Program, the participants will engage in establishing and maintaining vegetable gardens within their barangays. The tasks entrusted to them include preparing planting areas, cultivating vegetables, and caring for crops to ensure the productivity of the community gardens. These activities aim to enhance the availability of fresh produce in the participating communities while equipping the beneficiaries with practical gardening skills that can be utilized in their households.
For their efforts, each participant will earn a daily wage of PHP464, amounting to gross earnings of PHP9,280 for the entire 20-day work period. The total gross wages for all 200 participants could reach approximately PHP1.86 million, contingent on the validation of attendance and work completed.
Director Gutib also mentioned that the beneficiaries will be enrolled in Group Personal Accident Insurance through the Government Service Insurance System, providing them with additional security during their community work. Project LAWA and BINHI aim to deliver short-term income support while addressing critical issues like water access and food supply. The LAWA initiative focuses on constructing small farm reservoirs and water-harvesting facilities, along with repairing local irrigation systems. Meanwhile, BINHI emphasizes the creation of community and household vegetable gardens using climate-smart and locally suitable farming techniques.
