Also known as the "Worktrep" Program, it aims to essentially act as bridge that will effectively transform the poor informal sector workers into real, trained and productively networked "worktrepreneurs" of the country.
Labor Secretary Arturo Brion said the said program will be first piloted by some 19 cities or municipalities. Carcar and Cebu are the only recipients in the entire Region 7.
Carcar is famous for its shoemaking industry, with workers mostly just members of the family.
Other pilot areas are Malabon City; Kapangan, Benguet; Alcala, Pangasinan; La-lo and Penablanca in Cagayan; Tarlac City; Liliw, Laguna; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Legazpi City, Albay; Naga City; Guimbal, Iloilo; Pinabacdao, Western Samar; Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur; Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental; Samal, Davao del Norte; Surallah and Koronadal City, South Cotabato and Prosperida, Agusan del Sur.
He said in the nationwide implementation of the program among informal sector worktreps in various LGU's and regions, there will be four primary services made available to assist in the growth of their small businesses.
The first is the Worktrep Training Services consisting of five training modules including skills training, business management, productivity, occupational safety and health, human relations and confidence building.
It will be followed by Worktrep Business Advisory Services which give these workers access to market, technology and credit.
Third is the Worktrep Social Protection Services to facilitate access to formal government social protection like the Social Security System and PhilHealth as well as alternative and non-conventional social protection schemes.
The last module is the Worktrep Networking Services paving the way for the participation and community support through business alliances, association, partnership, cooperative or corporation. - Ferliza C. Contratista