DOLE to distribute ₱2 billion in cash-for-work assistance for those affected by the ECQ

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will distribute ₱2 billion in cash-for-work assistance for those affected by the upcoming ECQ in the National Capital Region and other areas.

It is also awaiting a decision from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regarding its request for an additional ₱2 billion for cash aid.    

In a news briefing on Wednesday, DOLE’s Information and Publication Service director, Raul M. Francia, said the initial ₱2 billion will be sourced from its existing cash-for-work program, which has a ₱4 billion ready fund.  

Mr. Francia said DOLE is currently waiting for the list of affected workers from companies that will temporarily suspend operations during the ECQ before it disburses the initial ₱2 billion. 

DOLE stated that beneficiaries will be chosen from the list and assigned temporary work within their communities and that the request for fresh funds was submitted Tuesday.  

Based on the request for additional funding, the distribution will be as follows: ₱776 million for workers in Metro Manila, ₱298.5 million for Central Luzon, ₱179.1 million for CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon), ₱159.2 million for Western Visayas, ₱39.8 million for Northern Mindanao, and ₱537.3 million for other areas that may be put under ECQ.

Mr. Francia said the ₱2-billion budget if approved, is expected to benefit 398,000 workers with up to ₱5,000. 

He added that cash assistance will also be allocated for displaced overseas Filipino workers. 

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will distribute ₱2 billion in cash-for-work assistance for those affected by the upcoming ECQ in the National Capital Region and other areas.

It is also awaiting a decision from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) regarding its request for an additional ₱2 billion for cash aid.    

In a news briefing on Wednesday, DOLE’s Information and Publication Service director, Raul M. Francia, said the initial ₱2 billion will be sourced from its existing cash-for-work program, which has a ₱4 billion ready fund.  

Mr. Francia said DOLE is currently waiting for the list of affected workers from companies that will temporarily suspend operations during the ECQ before it disburses the initial ₱2 billion. 

DOLE stated that beneficiaries will be chosen from the list and assigned temporary work within their communities and that the request for fresh funds was submitted Tuesday.  

Based on the request for additional funding, the distribution will be as follows: ₱776 million for workers in Metro Manila, ₱298.5 million for Central Luzon, ₱179.1 million for CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon), ₱159.2 million for Western Visayas, ₱39.8 million for Northern Mindanao, and ₱537.3 million for other areas that may be put under ECQ.

Mr. Francia said the ₱2-billion budget if approved, is expected to benefit 398,000 workers with up to ₱5,000. 

He added that cash assistance will also be allocated for displaced overseas Filipino workers. 

SOURCE: Business World