Number of displaced Pinoy workers hits 2.7 million

by Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star), 26 May 2020

MANILA, Philippines — While more commercial establishments are now allowed to open and resume operations, the number of workers losing their income nationwide continues to rise.

Data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) showed that as of May 23, the total number of workers affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had reached 2,757,640.

DOLE also recorded at least 102,607 commercial establishments nationwide that either have closed shop or adopted flexible work arrangements, which affect the income of workers.

Data from the DOLE Bureau of Local Employment indicated a total of 1,927,308 workers losing their jobs following the temporary closure of 80,891 establishments. It further noted that 23,488 establishments employing 949,873 resorted to flexible work arrangements.

Among the industries severely affected by the pandemic are wholesale and retail, accommodation and food service, manufacturing, construction, education, financial and insurance activities, administrative and support service, and transportation and storage.

The National Capital Region (NCR) accounted for the biggest number of displaced workers with 896,020; followed by Central Luzon with 295,458; and Calabarzon with 286,630.

Central Visayas posted 209,033 total displaced; Davao region, 205,380; Northern Mindanao, 181,523; and Zamboanga peninsula, 121,786.

Other regions with high number of displacement are Cagayan Valley (90,983); Mimaropa (88,474); Bicol (79,564); Western Visayas (73,525), and Cordillera Administrative Region (68,210).

DOLE said the regions with the least number of displacements are Eastern Visayas, Caraga, Ilocos, and Soccsksargen.