The Department of Labor and Employment seeks to spend fully its budget of P37 million this year to alleviate the plight of displaced workers and workers in distress, DOLE Secretary Rosalinda said in a press release yesterday.

This part of the DOLE 2012 budget is under its Adjustment Measures Program, or AMP.

Regional offices have been directed to fast-track the full implementation of the AMP to provide interventions and initiatives that would assist vulnerable workers in finding additional income sources to augment their wages and subsequently raise their capability to meet their families' needs, Baldoz said.

“The AMP reflects the DOLE’s commitment to help workers cope with the changing times as the program aims not only to help but also to empower more workers though livelihood projects and entrepreneurial activities,” she added.

Baldoz reported that the DOLE in 2011 has granted over P33.3 million in financial assistance to 41 employment and livelihood projects under the AMP which benefitted 10,201 workers nationwide.

The amount translated to a 98 percent utilization rate of the AMP funds by the regional offices, the press release said. The remaining 2011 AMP funds amounting to P6.2 million was spent to provide financial assistance to the flashflood victims of Typhoon Sendong in Regions 10 and 7, specifically in Dumaguete, it added.

Of the 41 projects, 25 offered livelihood formation and enhancement through the provision of the DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kits, while four projects under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged workers and 12 other projects provided emergency employment and rehabilitation programs for workers affected by calamities and disasters, the press release said.

Apart from the financial assistance, AMP enables vulnerable workers to gain and apply essential skills through livelihood orientations and seminars which capacitate them to collectively start and manage their livelihood enterprises, it added.*

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