As DOLEs' contribution to counter the probable loss of jobs and livelihood of sugar workers brought about by the abnormal supply of sugar in the domestic market leading to low sugar prices, the Bureau of Rural Workers (BRW) is hereby directed to implement their proposed "EMERGENCY PROGRAM FOR DISPLACED WORKERS IN THE SUGAR INDUSTRY" effective immediately.

The program shall provide emergency assistance to sugar workers as well as alternative employment opportunities by way of income generation, self and wage employment and entrepreneurship development.

Relative to this, the BRW in coordination and consultation with concerned persons/entities, shall formulate specific guidelines and mechanics for implementation.

This program shall be pilot-tested in Negros Occidental where the bulk of sugar workers are situated and, therefrom, be replicated nationwide:

Adopted: 10 July 1997