The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has announced its plans to offer financial assistance to support enterprises in enhancing the competencies of their workers and improving their overall transformative capacity. This initiative aims to reduce the vulnerability of workers and businesses to economic disruptions, while also promoting job preservation and generation, improving human resources, and enhancing enterprise viability and resilience.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma recently issued Department Order 241, Series of 2024, which outlines the “Implementing Guidelines of the DoLE Adjustment Measures Program (DoLE-AMP) for Workers and Enterprises.” This order serves as a framework for the implementation of the DoLE-AMP and provides guidance on how enterprises can access the financial assistance.
Under the DoLE-AMP, various entities, including employers, enterprises, business organizations, legitimate labor organizations, or accredited co-partners, can propose projects aimed at enhancing worker competencies. These projects may consist of capacity-building measures, business enhancement and adaptation measures, just transition measures, product development and innovation measures, or reward systems and productivity improvement measures.
To apply for the program, a proponent must submit a signed application to the DoLE Regional Office where the project will be implemented. If the project proposal involves multiple regions, the application should be filed in the DoLE Regional Office where the initial or main part of the project will be carried out, as well as the DoLE Central Office through the Bureau of Local Employment. Copies of the proposal should also be furnished to the DoLE regional offices where parts or phases of the project will be implemented.
Once the project proposal is approved, the DoLE regional director and the authorized representative of the proponent or accredited co-partner will enter into a memorandum of agreement to implement the project. For projects divided into multiple phases, proponents must submit progress and liquidation reports based on the work and financial plan. They must also provide a certification that the project is being implemented according to schedule before receiving subsequent tranches of financial assistance.
As the administrator of the DoLE-AMP, the DoLE Regional Offices have the responsibility to ensure that the approved projects are implemented in accordance with the project proposal. This oversight helps to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the program.
It is important to note that these guidelines will take effect 15 days after their publication in a newspaper of general circulation. This timeframe allows interested parties to familiarize themselves with the requirements and procedures for accessing the financial assistance provided by the DoLE-AMP.
By offering financial assistance to support worker competency upgrades, the DoLE aims to strengthen the workforce and enhance the competitiveness of enterprises. This initiative not only benefits individual workers by improving their skills and employability but also contributes to the overall economic development and sustainability of the country.
As the program rolls out, it is crucial for enterprises and workers to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their growth and development. By embracing these initiatives, businesses can adapt to changing market demands, while workers can improve their career prospects and contribute to the promotion of decent and sustainable work opportunities.
The DoLE’s commitment to supporting workers and enterprises through the DoLE-AMP demonstrates the government’s dedication to creating an environment that fosters economic resilience and inclusive growth. By investing in the competencies of workers, the Philippines can position itself as a competitive player in the global market and ensure a prosperous future for its workforce and economy.
Source: The Manila Times
