25 Mar 2020 – Local, overseas workers affected by COVID-19 assured of gov’t assistance

Workers across the local and overseas employment sectors who have been affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic are assured of government financial assistance through the Department of Labor and Employment.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III once again urged the employers in the private sector to apply to DOLE’s COVID-19 Adjustment Measure Program or CAMP which offers one time 5 thousand pesos financial support to employees of companies or business establishments that have adopted flexible work arrangements or temporary closure due to the COVID 19 pandemic.

To avail of the assistance, employers must submit their company payroll for February or earlier which is before the implementation of flexible working arrangements or temporary closure.

Secretary Bello advised the establishments to download the “Establishment Report of COVID Form” in the DOLE website, specifically at https://www.dole.gov.ph/covid-19-mitigating-measures/?fbclid=IwAR36XhC4n5HN6OOA8nepinBagb7HfCfeneg-ZFRrslzNKMoZUsXxE0hpNkU

The form is also available in all DOLE regional offices’ websites and official Facebook pages.

Once accomplished, the form must be submitted through email to the DOLE regional or field office in their area.

For the informal sector workers, DOLE is implementing emergency employment assistance through the TUPAD BKK program or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers – #Barangay Ko Bahay Ko.

Qualified beneficiaries will receive daily minimum wage for 10 days by disinfecting their houses and vicinities. The disinfection must be done in coordination with the local health offices for safety. Aside from the daily wage, workers will get personal accident insurance, personal protective equipment, and cleaning kit.

TUPAD #BKBK is implemented through the barangay/local government units.

To avail of the assistance, LGUs must submit to the nearest DOLE field or regional offices the work program and beneficiary profile form.

For the overseas Filipino workers whose employment was affected by the pandemic, DOLE will be also providing a one-time 10 thousand pesos assistance.

To avail of the program, OFWs must submit their certificate of employment issued by their agencies. Their application will be evaluated and processed by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

OFWs are advised to get in touch with POLO in their host country if they are based abroad or visit the nearest (OWWA) regional office if they are currently in the Philippines. # # #GSR

News Release
Department of Labor and Employment
March 25, 2020