The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday rolled out the Sagip-Trabaho program in the National Capital Region (NCR), particularly in Valenzuela City.

Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the program, an initiative designed to cover up to 90 days of wages for eligible workers, is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s mandate of making government services more accessible to all Filipinos.

The measure was initially piloted at the CAMANAVA Field Office, with 13 partner employers and more than 200 covered workers.

The session aimed to introduce the initiative while ensuring all participating stakeholders were aligned on its implementation procedures and job preservation goals.

“We also need to provide, in accordance with the law, the appropriate salary increases for our workers… our goal is for your businesses to continue operating — without having to close down — while also ensuring that your workers receive a salary increase,” he said during the launch.

Tolentino also acknowledged the Sagip-Trabaho workforce for their ongoing dedication, motivating them to stay focused and continue tackling their daily responsibilities with diligence and resilience.

“What we ask of our workers is that they continue to demonstrate the same level of devotion, loyalty, diligence, and productivity,” the Labor chief said.

“It is my hope that local businesses continue to thrive and that our workers become even more diligent,” he added.

The Sagip-Trabaho is a TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) flagship innovation that seeks to preserve jobs and support employment continuity in micro, small and medium enterprises facing temporary operational or financial difficulties. (PNA)