LOREN FILES BILL ESTABLISHING A LIVELIHOOD
TRAINING CENTER IN EVERY RURAL BARANGAY

Sen. Loren Legarda has filed a bill seeking to establish a livelihood and skills training center in every rural barangay "to enhance productivity and uplift the economic status of the greater number of Filipino families."

In Senate Bill No. 1087, Loren proposed that it be declared a policy of the state "that the diffusion and more equitable distribution of opportunities, income and wealth shall be the goals of national economic development."

She explained that under Section 21, Article II of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, the state is mandated to promote comprehensive rural development and agrarian reform to reduce, if not end, poverty in the Philippines.

Under her bill, there shall be establish in every rural barangay in the country a "Barangay Livelihood and Training Center" in accordance with a program to be determined by the Department of Interior and Local Governments.

Under the program, initially and within a period of one year, at least one pilot center shall be established in each of the 15 regions of the country. Including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Cordillera Autonomous Region.

The center may be set up under the auspices of the local government units, particularly the barangay government, and including non-government organizations (NGOs) tapped by DILG to assist in the establishment, operation and maintenance of the centers.

The center shall offer support programs for the unemployed men and women and out-of-school youth belonging to the most indigent families in the barangay to be determined by the barangay municipal or city governments. In addition, the center shall serve as "Drop-in and Information Center" of the barangay.

In particular, the center shall provide skills training services, livelihood skills development, social communication skills, self-enhancement skills development and community participation skills.

The center shall be assisted by the DILG, the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of health, Department of Agriculture and other government offices whose services may be needed to make the center effective in pursuing its objectives.

The DILG shall ensure that a portion of its annual appropriation shall be allocated for the operation and maintenance of the centers all over the country and that they are supported by Local Government Units (LGUs), the Sangguniang Kabataan, NGOs and civic minded residents of the barangay including volunteer manpower.

Loren's bill also provides that any private person, group, organization or business entity may sponsor the establishment, operation and maintenance of a Barangay Livelihood and Skills Training Center, provided that its program and activities are consistent with the objectives of the Act and subject to the control and supervision of the DILG.

The center shall be staffed by at least one competent skills training personnel, supported by barangay officials, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, socio-civic organizations, youth and students on vacation and student enrolled in practicum courses.

The DILG shall adopt the appropriate guidelines and regulations the provisions of the bill once enacted. An initial outlay of P100 million shall be appropriated for the implementation of the Act.

In her explanatory note, Loren said that the "Philippine government's medium-term strategy for total development emphasizes economic growth with social inclusions. This highlights the need to ensure that while the micro-economic indicators of our country is sound, government must endeavor to make the fruits of economic growth fell by our population through rural infrastructure and facilities for growth and self-sustainability."