Sucre Ethique - Philippine : DOLE opens livelihood training center for NorMin sugar workers

mercredi 2 novembre 2011

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Nov. 2 (PIA) — To help sugarcane workers during “off season,” the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has put up the Sugar Workers Livelihood Training Center (SWLTC) in the Provincial Capitol Compound, here, last Oct. 28.

The first in Northern Mindanao, the SWLTCV will help the sugar cane workers when there is no work in plantations and mills, Atty. Allan Macaraya, Regional Director of DOLE-10 said during his inaugural message.

He said this would help the department’s socio economic programs to develop livelihood and increase employment opportunities for the cane workers.

“Part of the project cost was taken out from the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) fund shared by the sugar industries to DOLE as outlined in the “profit-sharing” scheme, instituted in the sugar industry by virtue of R.A 6982 that aims to augment the income of sugar workers,” Macaraya said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Alex Calingasan, in his keynote address, lauded the two sugar mills in Bukidnon—Crystal Sugar Company (CSC) and Bukidnon Sugar Milling Company (BUSCO)—that shared to the SAP fund vast amount from their profits.

“While we felt the dire need, the provincial government also offered more than 500 sq.m. land area for this project,” Governor Calingasan said.

Likewise, Engr. Saturnino Escobido, Head of DOLE Bukidnon, recounted how they were able to enter into an agreement with the provincial government and heads of sugar industry to put up this newly built sugar workers’ training center in the province.

“This is in response to President Aquino’s call for the private sector to engage in more public-private partnership (PPP) to fight hunger and ensure adequate food,” he added.

“We, therefore, express our gratitude to the provincial government, the sugar industry players, the farmers and the sugar workers who were with us in this endeavor,” Escobido said. (PIA 10)