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The right to social security of the workers in the informal economy/ sector
The Livelihood program is implemented in two modes: first, through accredited copartner (ACP) which acts as a conduit. When the funds are downloaded to the ACP, the latter
will facilitate the purchasing of the equipment and materials needed for the identified set of
beneficiaries for their proposed projects.
The ACP may be private sector, people's
organizations, cooperatives, private foundations, church-based organizations, and local
government units.
The second mode is direct administration. Under this mode, the Regional Offices/Field
Offices/Provincial Offices directly administer the program implementation.
Another project recently launched by the DOLE is the FreeBis (Free Bisikleta) Project.
This was launched in 2020 when the enhanced community quarantine was implemented. Ms.
Gonzales shared that
The FreeBis Project is a special project under DILEEP that help qualified individual
beneficiaries start a small vending or delivery business or upgrade and/or diversify
their products, or serves a greater number of customers and covers qualified group
beneficiaries who may engage in one-stop-shop for bicycle services, accessories,
and parts including fabrication and customization of bicycles. For vending/delivery
business, assistance granted includes bicycles, insulation bags, protective helmet,
reflective vest, bike rack, cellphone, and load wallet
The DOLE thought that this simple project could assist the displaced workers or at least
help in reducing their daily expenses in their commute during the time of strict lockdown. They
launched this project in October 2020 so the workers in the informal sector can jump-start their
delivery service.