PRESS RELEASE
December 14, 2008
Office of Caloocan City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri
Ref. Public Information Office
Telefax 3244644

Caloocan Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri yesterday said the city government is providing alternative programs and services for the benefit of displaced overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the global economic crunch.

According to Echiverri, he has already directed the Labor and Industrial Relations Office (LIRO) to provide additional support to the displaced OFWs who are residents of the city.

The mayor noted that those affected will be assisted by the LIRO’s Public Employment Service Office in finding local or overseas job.

“Residents need only bring two pieces 1x1 ID picture and a barangay clearance to avail of the regular employment program,” he said.

While the LIRO’s Caloocan City Manpower Training Center (CCMTC) will help those seeking for additional skills training and upgrading, he added.

Training courses provided by the CCMTC range from two to six months depending on the skills being learned.

Among the courses provided are cellular phone repair, computer operation and hardware servicing, refrigerator and air condition repair, dressmaking, consumer electronic repair, welding, commercial cooking, food processing, beauty care, automotive and hairdressing.

For his part, LIRO chief Dante Esteban said their office will also assist OFW returnees in the setting up of self-employment projects and businesses.

Esteban added that the city government has entered into a partnership with DOLE earlier to offer target beneficiaries with the means to put up their own sustainable businesses and other meaningful livelihood projects.