MANDALUYONG CITY — The Office of the Vice President on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Labor and Employment and Public Attorney’s Office.

Vice President Sara Duterte told reporters after that the signing was to formalize the ongoing partnerships with the two government agencies.

“This is a formality ng initial na partnership na ginagawa na natin na referral between the Public Attornery’s Office and the Department of Labor and Employment,” Duterte said during the signing of MoU at the OVP Central Office here.

“This is just the beginning of establishing substantive and meaningful partnerships with government institutions. We hope to expand such partnerships for the benefit of our people,” she added.

Chief Public Attorney in the Philippines Dr. Persida Rueda-Acosta said the event was made possible through the good heart of the Vice President and in her quest to put up satellite offices to provide for the marginalized and underrepresented citizens.

She added that in her two decades of serving the PAO, this is the first time that the OVP and PAO had a memorandum of understanding for the benefit of underprivileged Filipinos needing of legal assistance.

“Ang ating inaasahan ay lalong maabot ng mahihirap sa mga dalampasigan, kabundukan, at mga baybayin ang mga legal aid, o pagpunta ng korte, at paghingi ng hustisya,” Acosta said.

“Makakaasa po ang ating Pangalawang Pangulo Inday Sara na nakahanda po ang humigit kumulang 400 distrito ng Public Attorney’s Office sa buong kapuluan upang tumugon sa lahat ng referrals lalong lalo na ang mga maralitang dumudulog sa mga satellite offices at maging dito po sa tanggapang ito,” Acosta added.

DOLE Undersecretary Felipe Egargo Jr. said their offices in the different regions are ready to help the OVP in implementing the project TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers.

The TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers.

“Sa pamamagitan ng memorandum of understanding, sila po ang magbibigay ng beneficiaries sa iba’t ibang rehiyon ng ating bansa, at kami naman po ang magbibigay ng pasahod doon sa mga mae-employ na mga workers na ibibigay ng OVP,” Egargo said.

The MoU signing was witnessed and attended by the members and officials of the Office of the Vice President, the DOLE and PAO. OVP MEDIA