Malacañang is urging local governments and non-government organizations (NGOs) to participate in the Arroyo administration’s nationwide effort to boost livelihood and employment opportunities for poor and middle class workers who will be affected by the global economic crisis this year, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) has announced.

NAPC Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban said the successful implementation of President Arroyo’s Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) will depend on the cooperation of local governments and NGOs.

The CLEEP effort is designed to expand job opportunities throughout the country in the face of the economic crisis through investments in public works and enterprise development, he said.

“The national government has already commenced the initial phases of implementation of a number projects under the CLEEP in various parts of the archipelago. What we need now is stronger support from local governments and grassroots organizations,” Panganiban said.

The NAPC chief said a memorandum order issued by President Arroyo in October 2008 directs the cabinet to explore the possibility of counterpart schemes with local governments and NGOs in the effort to expand the government’s emergency employment program.

“NAPC has already begun to tap the support of various presidential assistants and the Regional Kalahi Convergence Groups behind this national effort. We hope to enhance our partnerships across all sectors as we move forward with this crucial program,” he added.

Panganiban said the projects under the Arroyo administration’s CLEEP jobs program include efforts such as the Tindahan Natin program of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Botika ng Barangay program of the Department of Health (DOH), the construction of farm-to-market roads, roadside maintenance projects, the Kalahi Cash for Work Program and the Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran (SEA-K) program, among others.

“The livelihood and jobs programs to be undertaken in cooperation with LGUs and NGOS must of course be designed according to the economic and social environment of the given locality,” Panganiban said.