Two (2) beneficiaries have claimed their maternity benefits under the Social Amelioration and Welfare Program (SAWP) for Workers in the Biofuel Industry, which is administered by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Rogelyn E. Dayondon and Rowena P. Juntilla both work as Laboratory Analysts at the Bioenergy 8 Corporation in Sasa, Davao City. They have availed the SAWP one-time maternity benefit amounting to Php 5,000.00 on February 6, 2023. Said biofuel company is among the first companies in Davao Region to integrate the program in their company benefits.
“I am proud to be one of the pioneering beneficiaries of this program, and I am grateful for the assistance that DOLE has provided me. I hope that this program will continue to benefit more workers in the biofuel industry in the future,” shared Ms. Dayondon.
Similarly, Ms. Juntilla expressed her appreciation to DOLE XI for this program and for facilitating their maternity benefit claims. “My family and I are thankful for this opportunity that has helped us cover the basic needs of our new-born child.”
The SAWP is a program that aims to help workers in the biofuel industry such as the plant workers, coconut farmers, and dependents of biodiesel workers. Under the program, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to receive maternity benefits, as well as other forms of social amelioration and welfare assistance.
DOLE XI Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy expressed his gratitude to the biofuel company for their cooperation in implementing the SAWP and ensuring that their employees can avail of the benefits.
DOLE XI reminds employers in the biofuel industry to comply with the provisions of the SAWP, including the provision of maternity benefits to eligible workers. Aside from the social protection and welfare assistance, SAWP also provides livelihood assistance through conducts of trainings and provision of working capital and materials, educational assistance, and emergency employment.
In fact, DOLE XI, through SAWP, was able to provide a scholarship grant worth Php 200,000.00 to Ms. June Grace A. Sarte who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in criminology in 2021 in Davao City. Ms. Sarte is daughter of a biodiesel worker in the same company as Ms. Dayondon and Ms. Juntilla.
The DOLE continues to work with its partner agencies and stakeholders to implement the SAWP and aid workers in the biofuel industry.
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