MANILA -- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on Tuesday showed its support for artists and cultural workers that have been affected by the coronavirus-induced lockdown.

In a statement, NCCA said it has coordinated with artists and cultural workers from different communities in its endorsement for the amelioration program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The commission said it received 748 initial applications nationwide which have been forwarded to DOLE's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) amelioration program for further evaluation.

"Upon approval, artists and cultural workers shall receive the corresponding amount specified by DOLE per region," NCCA said.

"In addition, the NCCA will be coordinating further with the DOLE for the possibility of a second batch of application," it added.

On top of this, NCCA said it will "develop programs and projects that will cater to the needs of the artists and cultural workers in this time of COVID-19 crisis."