The increasing economic productivity among Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries may have contributed to the recent spike in the country’s employment rate, an official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said on Monday (April 14).
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, who is also the DSWD spokesperson, said the Department is pleased with the 4Ps beneficiaries’ gains over the years, and their willingness to avail of government’s initiatives aimed at realizing the program’s goal of poverty-alleviation and human capital investment.
“Optimistic po tayo na mas mag-improve pa po yung ating condition in terms of reducing poverty incidents in our country and reducing hunger incidents, as well,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao told members of the Malacanang Press Corps (MPC) during the press briefing by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The recent Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) survey released last April 8 recorded a 96.2 percent employment rate in February, which went up from the 95.7 percent in January this year.
Asst. Secretary Dumlao pointed out that the roll-out of the government’s series of job fairs initiated by the DSWD, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and other key government agencies may have also played a role in the country’s improved employment rate.
“Nakikita nga natin doon sa isinasagawa natin na Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas para sa 4Ps job fairs ay marami po tayong mga na i-register na mayroong mga bagong trabaho,” the DSWD spokesperson told reporters.
The ‘Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas para sa 4Ps’ kicked-off in the National Capital Region (NCR) on January 31 to expand opportunities for 4Ps members by helping them secure regular employment and sustain their self-sufficiency level.
After nine job fairs held in various parts of the country, over 400 4Ps beneficiaries have been hired-on-the-spot by various companies that have opened up positions for job-seekers.
The job fairs also provided employment to more than 3,300 beneficiaries who are either awaiting final confirmation from employers or up for additional submission of documents.
“Gayon din po, makikita natin dun sa ating mga 4Ps beneficiaries, marami po sa kanila nakakapagtapos ng kanilang pag-aaral. And marami nga rin are acing licensure examinations. So, sila po ay nabibigyan din ng pagkakataon na makapagtrabaho,” Asst. Secretary Dumlao said. (LSJ)