DOLE BATANGAS, DTC PARTNERSHIP TURNS SECTOR DIALOGUE INTO LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT FOR DISPLACED SUGAR WORKERS

DOLE IV-A Batangas Provincial Office and the Batangas Province District Tripartite Council (DTC) hold the 2nd Quarter Regular Meeting at the Shoreland Beach Resort, Bucana, Nasugbu, Batangas. 

Sectoral representatives raise industry concerns, review R.A. 6982 (Sugar Amelioration Act of 1991), and align strategies that address challenges in the sugar sector.

Atty. Erwin N. Aquino, DOLE RO IV-A Regional Director and DTC chair, shared the objectives of the meeting. (Photo by Bea Mari Ingco)

In view of the previous meeting, which generated shared commitments on the provision of livelihood assistance, the DOLE Batangas fulfilled it with a ceremonial turnover of livelihood packages under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) for nine (9) displaced sugarcane workers from the first district of Batangas. The program supplied recipients with equipment and materials, launching small businesses and restoring family income.

Atty. Erwin N. Aquino, DOLE IV-A Regional Director, led the distribution and called for determination and collective effort.

“…Kami ay lubos na nagpapasalamat [sa]pagkat kahit papaano ay nakakatulong ang gobyerno sa may mga na e-experience na pagbabago sa buhay tulad ng pag sara o pagkawala ng trabaho, maliit man [ito] pagyamanin natin kung pwede nga palaguin natin “ Atty. Erwin N. Aquino remarked.

Atty. Erwin N. Aquino, DOLE RO IV-A Regional Director, encouraged and urged the beneficiaries in his opening remarks. (Photo by Bea Mari Ingco)

Among the beneficiaries, Ms. Carlota V. Innumerable, former HR Manager at the sugar central and employee for 27 years, shared how losing the job brought financial strain, disrupted support for parents’ medical needs, and affected mental health and security. Ms. Innumerable highlighted livelihood assistance as restoring confidence and rebuilding stability.

“Itong matatagangap [ko] ay napakalaking tulong not only to my family but tom myself kasi mabubuo na ulit ang confidence ko kasi nga nasanay ako na trabaho ng trabaho…yung fulfillment ko as a person and then yung tulong na naiisip ko ay iyong maitutulong ko sa parents ko…actually me myself marami na rin akong maintenance” Ms. Innumerable shared.

Ms. Carlota V. Innumerable, recipient of printing services package. (Photo by Bea Mari Ingco)

Ms. Innumerable conveyed deep gratitude for the program and highlighted DOLE’s role in guiding workers toward recovery after displacement.

“Thankful ako sa DOLE kasi i thought wala na.. di na siguro na-approve napakalaki siguro ng proposal ko pero yun nga by God’s grace, thank you kay DOLE kasi nandyan lagi sila..ang DOLE walang dini-discriminate kung manager ka, or worker na daily paid, lahat ina-assist nila so thankful talaga and of course thank you kasi may programa talagang ganito na pag may na terminate… anjan si DOLE na nagiging partner mo, nabinibiggyan ka ng pag asa, [na] maka move forward ka naman after termination or pagkawala ng trabaho. para bang nabuhay ulit kami” Ms. Innumerable expressed.

Aside from the distribution, the council reviewed Crop Year 2023–2024 milling results, updated the Batangas Province Sugar Road Map and calendar of activities, and reaffirmed commitments under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP). 

The quarterly DTC meeting fosters tripartite dialogue as the government, labor, and management sectors examine industry conditions, tackle pressing issues, and commit to responsive actions. 

Through this initiative, DOLE Batangas continues to turn dialogue into action, equipping displaced workers with sustainable livelihoods and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders in the sugar sector. #

BEA MARI M. INGCO (LEO III-ALI)