Displaced Itogon residents offered long-term livelihood
Government agencies are offering a variety of sustainable sources of livelihood to the displaced residents of Itogon town, which was hit last month by a massive landslide that claimed hundreds of lives, mostly small-scale miners.
The National Food Authority (NFA) in Benguet is among the government agencies that offered long-term livelihood aid to the residents. The agency is encouraging Itogon residents, especially those who are in far-flung villages of the town, to sell NFA rice.
NFA-Benguet Provincial Manager Cecilia Concubierta said that a “bigasang bayan”, or community rice trading center, could be opened so that lower-priced government rice would be accessible to the communities.
More jobs for the Itogon residents
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) also offered free skills training to the Itogon residents who are interested in going through one-month training for electrical installation and maintenance, shielded metal arc welding, carpentry, and masonry.
According to TESDA-Benguet provincial director David Bungallon, about P2.5 million have been set aside for these short courses. Moreover, Bungallon said successful trainees will get their national certification and be referred to partners and companies for employment.
A job fair by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Cordillera Administrative Region was also held, and 3,970 job vacancies were offered to the residents.
via Philippine News Agency / Liza Agoot
