The Manila Times
SEN. Bong Go has endorsed initiatives to give temporary jobs to marginalized, underemployed and displaced individuals nationwide for Brigada Eskwela. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has initiated the opening of at least 200,000 job opportunities nationwide under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (Tupad) program for Brigada Eskwela. According to DOLE, participants will be assigned to schools to aid in activities under the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Brigada Eskwela program as schools gear up for the start of classes. Workers will assist in cleaning school premises, repairing classrooms and providing other necessary preparations to ensure learning environments are ready for students. Go said this initiative underscores the importance of connecting livelihood support to community needs, particularly families in need of immediate income during the transition period for public schools. “It is crucial to create opportunities for our fellow citizens to earn an income, particularly those who have lost their jobs, are struggling financially, or require extra assistance for their families,” Go stated. “While we support schools in their preparations for the opening of classes, we are also aiding workers in securing temporary employment. We must consistently show consideration for others,” the senator added. DOLE signified that the temporary employment initiative will run from June until the start of classes, and may extend even after the start of classes. The agency also mentioned that its regional offices have been directed to oversee the simultaneous rollout of this program nationwide in collaboration with DepEd. Established in 2009 under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program, Tupad provides emergency and temporary employment to marginalized, underemployed and displaced individuals for up to 30 days. Participants are generally tasked with community-focused work such as street cleaning, declogging of canals, tree planting and public facility repairs, with compensation based on the local minimum wage. Go emphasized that temporary employment initiatives should remain agile and responsive to the needs of workers who typically endure the most significant challenges during economic downturns. This development arises as public schools across the country prepare for the new academic year, with Brigada Eskwela acting as a community-driven effort to enhance school facilities before students return. Assigning Tupad participants connects school preparation activities with urgent financial assistance through temporary income support for workers. Go has consistently advocated for policies to enhance wages, boost livelihood opportunities and safeguard various worker categories. He co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill (SB) 2534, which proposes a nationwide increase in the daily minimum wage by P100. Additionally, he submitted SB 420, the proposed Rural Employment Assistance Program Act, which offers temporary employment to displaced and seasonal workers. He also introduced SB 2107, or the proposed Freelance Workers Protection Act, which seeks to fortify protections for freelance workers by mandating written contracts and establishing fair compensation mechanisms, including provisions for night-shift differentials and hazard pay under certain conditions. To safeguard delivery riders, he proposed SB 1184, or the Food, Grocery and Pharmacy Delivery Services Protection Act, which aims to enhance the rights and welfare of delivery personnel. For government staff, Go is advocating for SB 2504, the proposed Salary Standardization Law 6, which intends to revise the compensation structure for government employees. Go asserted that worker programs should encompass both immediate relief and sustainable livelihood pathways.
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