CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — At least 46,368 workers in the private sector and classified as coming from the “formal sector” were given P5,000 each by the Department of Labor and Employment.
It is the aim of the Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program to help workers affected by the flexible work arrangements or temporary closure due to the enhanced community quarantine, said DOLE regional director Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita, adding that they are now in their fourth week of processing and evaluation of the submitted list of applicants of the affected firms.
As of April 13, DOLE was able to release P231.84 million for 46,368 workers from 2,079 establishments in the region.
From that number, 891 workers from 83 establishments were from Aurora; 5,881 workers were from 212 establishments in Bataan; 12,353 workers were from 417 establishments in Bulacan; 3,658 workers were from 254 establishments in Nueva Ecija; 15,666 workers were from 651 firms in Pampanga, including Clark; 2,941 workers were from 226 establishments in Tarlac; and 4,978 workers were from 236 establishments in Zambales.
Angara-Campita also said that DOLE understands the plight of workers as well as their needs and sentiments especially daily-wage earners, that is why DOLE did its best to fast-track the processing of their applicants.
The distribution of the said financial assistance is part of the Social Amelioration Program of the national government in accordance with Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
Aside from DOLE, there is also aid under the SAP from other government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and Department of Agriculture.
