The world of work is greatly affected by the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic. In addition to the threat to public health, long-term economic and social disruption threatens the livelihood and well-being of millions.
The national and local government units are focused on how to assist Luzon residents so they would comply with the enhanced community quarantine.
Almost 25 million jobs could be lost worldwide as a result of the pandemic, according to the International Labour Organization. An initial assessment of the impact of the Covid-19 on the global world of work says the effects will be far-reaching, pushing millions of people into unemployment, underemployment and working poverty, and proposes measures for a decisive, coordinated and immediate response.
In the Cordillera, there are about 778,000 employed persons based on the July 2019 data of the Philippine Statistics Authority – 61.2 percent or about 476,000 individuals are males; 38.8 percent or about 302,000 individuals are females. All of these workers are affected by the pandemic.
May I share with you the statement of Labor Sec. Silvestre H. Bello III issued last March 25.
“The Department of Labor and Employment is doing its best to address the immediate needs of our displaced workers and those belonging to the most vulnerable sectors during this period of emergency.
Similarly, we have crafted an assistance program for our overseas Filipino workers whose works were disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We are looking at about 70,000 OFWs who will be provided with $200 in cash assistance each.
For our workers here, our regional offices reported about 212,718 workers have been displaced due to the rapidly spreading Covid-19 pandemic. These are just preliminary reports submitted to us.
Now, of the total P1.5 billion available assistance package of the department, we have initially released P35 million to affected workers both those in the formal and informal sectors. We are fast tracking the processing of companies that have submitted their establishment report so as those in immediate need will be able to benefit from this government assistance.
We hope to cover at least 50 percent of those affected by next week.
At this point, I appeal anew to the kind hearts of our employers to release the payment of their security agencies. We have been receiving reports that a number of companies have been withholding their payments leaving their security guards helpless.
I also wish to address those employees of security agencies that they may avail of the cash assistance from DOLE if they failed to report to their work due to the enhanced quarantine in their areas.”
“I understand that it’s hard for everyone, but one cannot give in to emotions…We’ll have to draw lessons from the current crisis and now we’ll have to work on overcoming it.” — Boris Yeltsin
To avail of the P5,000 financial support under DOLE Department Order 209-2020, all employers affected by the Covid-19, visit https://www.facebook.covid.com/DOLECAR.CRT.
April 18, 2024
