Over 5K Caraga workers receive financial aid from DOLE
BUTUAN CITY, April 9 (PIA) — Some 321 establishments with more than 5,000 workers in Caraga region have applied and submitted the requirements for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Said program provides cash assistance amounting to P5,000.00 for each of the qualified workers in the private sector, who have been affected by the temporary closure of the respective establishments where they work with, as a preventive measure against the harmful COVID-19.
This has started since the implementation of the Community Quarantine in most areas of the Caraga region and with the recent declaration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine, wherein the workers are among the vulnerable sectors affected by this crisis.
As part of the government efforts to help cushion the impact of the ECQ on Caraganons, different government agencies have also provided assistance that would ease workers from worries and peril in this trying time.
“This benefit for the workers in the formal sector are directly given to them in the amount of P5,000. We really need to unite and work together in providing the needed assistance to the vulnerable sector and help them cope with life while undergoing the community quarantine,” said Mantilla.
The official added that though said program is open for all affected workers in the private sector, it follows the “first come, first serve” basis in the release of the cash assistance. All applications also are evaluated and validated by the DOLE-Caraga.
As one of the beneficiaries, Christian James Alfon thanked the DOLE for reaching out to them and upholding their rights and welfare. “We are thankful to DOLE because without this assistance, our family would suffer hunger while we are jobless,” he said.
“It’s been hard without a job for now, but I’m thankful knowing that the government does not leave us behind on this crisis situation,” bared Ervie Jane Cachuela, a co-worker.
Sean Christian Cabardo, who also worked at the same restaurant with the two others, also expressed his gratitude to his employer for taking the initiative and have them included in the first batch among the beneficiaries.
Director Mantilla also appreciated all the employers who expressed concern for their workers and immediately responded and coordinated with the department and complied with the necessary requirements for the cash assistance.
Meanwhile, Director Mantilla revealed that under the “Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko” (BKBK) Disinfection and Sanitation Project, there were 1,700 enlisted from the informal sector while 1,500 beneficiaries have already started working.
With this project, the qualified beneficiaries will receive the P3,000.00 cash assistance after they completed the 10-day work with 4-hours a day, through the supervision of their respective barangay officials. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
source https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1038483