At least 148 residents and vendors in Pasig, Quezon and Makati cities were provided livelihood packages as part of the government’s social safety measure for those who will be affected by the construction of the EDSA Greenways Project.
“This Integrated Livelihood Program of the Department of Labor shows the government’s concern for those affected by large government projects,” Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said.
“Our projects not only provide jobs, now the Labor Department will provide livelihood to the families that will pass through the EDSA Greenways,” he added.
Bautista cited the government’s inclusivity concerning the socio-economic aspect of transport projects.
Under the DOTr-DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, affected and qualified residents and vendors will receive P30,000 worth of rice, dressmaking tools, and food packages for small eateries, as well as food carts.
The DOTr earlier signed an agreement with Smart Communications Inc. to relocate the telco’s utilities and cables affected by the construction of elevated walkways on the main thoroughfare, including footbridges in Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe and Taft.
The pedestrian structures seek to address the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities (PWDs), women and people travelling with children by interconnecting MRT and LRT stations.
Aimed at resolving inadequacies in the country’s infrastructure which hinder national development, growth from initiatives under the nationwide “Build Better More” program is expected to make the economy more resilient, make trade more efficient, help fund more infrastructure projects and uplift the standard of living in the country.
The EDSA Greenways Project aims to improve the pedestrian environment by building elevated pedestrian walkways along the busiest thoroughfares in Metro Manila, specifically in Balintawak and Cubao in Quezon City, Guadalupe in Makati City and Taft Ave. in Pasay City.
Once completed, the EDSA Greenways Project will connect pedestrians and commuters to mass transit stations to help promote the use of public transport.