For a country like the Philippines whose unemployment and poverty has been a major problem ever since, the effects of current global financial crisis may be a disaster. To minimize adverse effects on society and the people, the Philippine government is doing its best to combat the crisis and implement various programs to help its citizens.

If you find yourself or a family member directly hit by the crisis, don’t give up so easily. Stay positive and keep on hoping because the Philippine government is ready to extend a helping hand, here are some services available to you:

Sound Advice

Workers are given advice and assistance on alternative ways and means they can do to still be productive in times of crisis. These services include:

Debriefing/ psycho-social counseling

Re-entry/ reintegration counseling

Livelihood

Workers are given opportunities to start a business or be employed again either locally or in overseas jobs. These services include:

Livelihood Assistance: Workers who want to venture into business are given capital and training required to start a business.

Local Employment. Workers are referred to local companies with job vacancies available. Others are given temporary jobs to have an immediate source of income while looking for a long-tem job.

Overseas Employment- landbased OFWs are referred to licensed recruitment agencies while seabased OFWs are referred to licensed manning agencies where they can apply for overseas jobs.

Training

Workers can avail of free trainings that will help them be employed in jobs that require special skills. For details, you may call the TESDA Hotline at: 887-7777

These include:

Skills Retooling- For workers who want to learn new skills

Skills Upgrading- For workers who want to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Skills Certification

You will receive a certificate indicating your knowledge and skills needed for a particular job.

Negotiations

Workers with unclaimed benefits/ salary from former employer are given assistance through the following services:

Settlement of Money Claims, Referral/ Legal Assistance

Who Gives The Services?

Local Workers: Inquire at the DOLE Help Desk of the DOLE Regional Office nearest you. You can contact DOLE GC Task Force Hotline at 527-4337.

For Affected OFWs: If the OFW is still overseas, go to the nearest Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)

If the OFW is already in the Philippines, go to the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NRCO) located at G/F Blas F. Ople Development Center, Solana,/ Victoria Sts., Intramuros, Manila

They can also go to the OWWA Help Desk of the nearest OWWA Regional Office.

You can contact the following: POEA- 722-1144/ 722-1155

National Reintegration Center- 528-0848/ 526-2633/ 526-2392

Regional Assistance Hotlines