As tourism awaits revival in the premiere destination of El Nido – people are in constant search for jobs and opportunities to ride the wave of financial difficulties. Getting inspiration from his mother who sustained their family in earlier crises by earning income through washing laundry, Leonides Echague – Chairman Emeritus of the El Nido Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ENCCI) launches a job match initiative in Brgy. Corong-corong this Saturday, November 21.
“Sa panahon ngayon, itong mga labandera at ibang very minimum wage earners na nawalan ng trabaho ang tututukan nating tulungan talaga. We will connect them with employers at i-mamatch namin sila.
Dubbed as Livelihood Manpower and Employment (LME) Program, this is seen as a solution to bring people in the locality together and ease the job hunting process by creating a suitable match right at the barangay benefitting both employers and prospective employees.
Applicants must be of legal age and a certified resident of Brgy. Corong-corong to benefit as the program pilots in the said barangay. Those who are younger will be assessed for jobs allowed for them and even seniors who are looking. “Walang limit sa edad kahit 70 to 80 years old, kung willing at naghahanap, hahanapan namin ng trabaho. We have also connected with those that can provide them livelihood.”
As of now 5 companies have pledged in joining the said fair.
“Wala silang gastos, walang referral fee, libre lahat. Sisiguraduhin na covered sila ng labor code, dapat ibibigay benefits para sa kanila. Kung wala, dapat may i-provide option to get insurance. First of its kind na ginagawa ngayon. (in El Nido) May nakausap na kami na certain employers na interested. Not only employers but also mag-poprovide ng livelihood.”
This initiative will be in collaboration with the barangay particularly on assessing eligible applicants.
“We will only act as a bridge, but the “front liner” is the barangay. They will do the matching, interview and documentation in which we will guide them. The goal is that in the next coming months, mangyayari ito in all barangays in El Nido – para yung employers na naghahanap ng trabahador pupunta na lang sa barangay at magma-match sa kailangan nilang trabahador.”
Participants will be required to render community service once a month by being part of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary to encourage volunteerism amongst El Nidonians.
It is the prerogative of the barangays should they want to adapt this program or not. This is a simple and relevant program that aims to solve concerns faced during “peak seasons” as they anticipate tourists rushing back post-COVID.
In the upcoming weeks, this program will be included in the Chamber’s CARE Program and offered in the digital platform and help job seekers online. //