by Kim Evangelio

Davao City (19 August) -- For ordinary folks, the global financial crisis may sound vague as the reason why it has become more difficult to meet daily ends. How can Juan de la Cruz comprehend that he has been laid-off because there is such thing as crisis in other countries while the local economy seems fine.

In the province of Compostela Valley, the effects of the global financing crisis were already showing up. The province, like other areas, became recipient of support from the government to mitigate the effects of the crisis. The approach to the problem is not to explain further the details of the economic crisis and its effects but by direct intervention thru information on opportunities that could give ordinary folks the means not only to survive the current situation but progress as well.

This is what DTI in Compostela Valley has been doing through the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP). Massive conduct of film showings of Entrepinoy, the documentaries on various livelihood opportunities were made to many communities all over the province. The film showing particularly targeted the disadvantaged sector of society such as the unemployed, underemployed, displaced workers and Out of School Youths. For the month of May alone, there were already eight film showings attended by at least 231 participants. For the month of June, seven film showings were already made to at least 146 participants.

The tapes shown were livelihood opportunities designed to impart knowledge and techniques for their livelihood. The video documentaries were simple yet comprehensive that almost anybody can readily understand and apply immediately as their own livelihood or even just family activity. As an added feature of every show, orientation on entrepreneurial aspect and some tips on how to go into business were also made.

An indispensable part of the CLEEP activities is the support and assistance to the existing MSMEs in the province. Firm level financial consultancies were being made particularly MSMEs that have made impact to the community in terms of income and employment. In ComVal, CLEEP and other programs of DTI were disseminated to the consciousness of viewing public to trigger more awareness as to the services of the department.