Cash aid for workers: Labor dept secures funding to start program

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MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment said Wednesday it secured P2 billion in funding to start its cash aid program for workers affected by the COVID-19 lockdown.

As of Wednesday, 74,000 workers in the formal sector were processed to received P5,000 through their payrolls or via remittance, Labor Asec. Dominique Tutay told DZMM.

By April 7, at least 48,850 informal workers given jobs by the local governments will receive their payouts depending on the average regional minimum wage, she said.

As of Wednesday some 25,428 formal sector workers and 5,220 from the informal sector were given cash aid, she said.

“Today we just received P2 billion cash from the DBM (Department of Budget and Management)…so aarangkada na po ang pagbibigay natin ng ayuda sa mga nakaabang pa na beneficiaries (we will start handing out assistance to beneficiaries),” Tutay said.

• P5,000 cash aid: Labor chief says proof of payroll needed
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Employers and workers affected by quarantine measures imposed in different parts of the country can request for cash assistance rom DOLE. A proof a payroll is required.

A social amelioration program for the over 18 million poor families will be implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development under the Bayanahin to Heal as One Act, the Philippines' coronavirus response law.