KORONADAL CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment Region 12 recently approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Department of Social Welfare and Development in a bid to complement programs that aim to reduce poverty in the region.

Ofelia Domingo, DOLE 12 director said, “our partnership with DSWD signifies our strong commitment to help poor families improve from their current situation and become empowered part of the community.”

“We commit to help in providing financial assistance to workers’ association or members who would like to avail of our services especially those who have small enterprises or business and help their businesses prosper,” Domingo said.

Gemma Rivera, assistant director of DSWD thanked DOLE for supporting the agency’s campaign against poverty. She said, “Pantawid families may be linked to DOLE to avail their services and programs. We are also glad that programs for poor families are given attention.”

Senior labor officer Willie Concepcion announced that the local partnership with DSWD is first from among all regions in the Philippines. He said, “Pantawid workers may be organized into association so that they can propose projects that will enhance their existing businesses.”