Palace: Jobs program sets targets

MANILA, Philippines - More than 118,000 Filipinos will benefit from the government’s emergency employment programs in the regions, Malacañang said Thursday. "The livelihood and emergency employment projects that was assigned by the President to the different Cabinet officials in their particular regions are expected to benefit 118,394 individuals, 101 municipalities, 952 villages barangays and 40,063 families after its implementation by January," said Deputy Presidential Spokesman Lorelei C. Fajardo in a text message. She said the government would disburse more than P1.7 billion for the projects, which are part of the measures aimed at shielding the poor from the impact of a global economic meltdown. In a chance interview, Presidential Management Staff Head Cerge M. Remonde, who was tasked to oversee the implementation of the projects, said among the jobs to be offered are street sweepers, carpenters, hollow block makers, and embroidery. "It would depend on the needs of the region. For example, typhoon-devastated areas would require people who would clear the streets," he said. Last October, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the Cabinet to implement pro-poor programs in their respective regions and ensure that these are creating employment opportunities. The Cabinet members, who would serve as project stewards, will coordinate with local officials and nongovernmental organizations to ensure effective monitoring and service delivery. The funds for the programs will come from the existing budget of the agencies. — Alexis Douglas B. Romero, BusinessWorld