At least 8K workers displaced during this year’s ECQ
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said that at least 8,000 workers were displaced due to retrenchment and business closures during the first three days of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the Greater Manila area.
DOLE Assistant Secretary Nikki Tutay said the agency sees an increase in these figures due to the ECQ extension. However, she added, “Because of this pandemic, those who are trying to survive might lead to temporary or permanent closure [of business]. This is what we’re trying to address now.”
Tutay said they have already computed the total amount needed for cash aid for the displaced workers, but she didn’t elaborate.
The agency has also yet to release the guidelines for the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program, which would give displaced workers one-time assistance of P5,000.
