THE House of Representatives passed a Bill establishing a Provincial Office for the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Dinagat Islands on its third reading, during its Plenary Session yesterday.
Rep. Alan Ecleo, who authored House Bill 9728, welcomed the passage of the Bill as “a big step in boosting employment and industry in the Province of Dinagat Islands.”
“We are grateful that our colleagues in the House of Representatives share our determination in bringing jobs and economic security to our Dinagatnon Brothers and Sisters,” said Ecleo.
“Our District is full of people ready to work and lift themselves and their families up towards a better life. It is our job as legislators to make sure that opportunities and support are always available for these hardworking men and women.”
According to Ecleo, not only will the DOLE Provincial Office increase the quality of labor in the Province, it will also make the process of extending support to displaced workers and young members of the labor sector.
“Through this Office, it will be easier for us to ensure the effectiveness and responsiveness of programs such as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) and the Government Internship Program (GIP), which have meant a great deal to the 37,605 displaced workers in Dinagat Islands because of Typhoon Odette alone,” Ecleo noted.
Ecleo, who chairs the House Committee on Disaster Resilience also led the passage of the Substitute Bill providing Free Freight Services in the transportation of relief goods to calamity stricken areas this week, along with the Substitute Bill on the Magna Carta for Public Disaster Risk Reduction and Management(PDRRM) Workers.
“Once again, the climate-related calamities in our region of Caraga are reminding us that crucial services such as transportation of goods must remain accessible and responsive in times of disaster,” Rep. Ecleo stressed. “These measures ensure the reliability of public service during times of disaster, as well as the protection of frontliners as they valiantly serve their countrymen.”
The Bills are to be numbered and submitted to the Committee on Appropriations for further deliberation, while HB 9728 is to be submitted to the Senate for its concurrence.
