DOLE: Gov’t assistance available for local workers, OFWs amid COVID-19 threat

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has announced that local and overseas workers may avail of government financial assistance.
In a statement, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III urged employers in the private sector to apply to DOLE’s COVID-19 Adjustment Measure Program or CAMP.
The program offers one time Php5,000 financial support to employees of companies or business establishments that have adopted flexible work arrangements or temporary closure due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Employers who want to avail of the program must submit their company payroll for February or earlier which is before the implementation of flexible working arrangements or temporary closure.
They can use the “Establishment Report of COVID Form” that is downloadable in the DOLE website and then submitted through email to the DOLE regional or field office in their area.
For the informal sector, they can avail of the emergency employment assistance through the TUPAD BKK program or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers – #Barangay Ko Bahay Ko.
The beneficiaries deemed qualified for the program will receive daily minimum wage for 10 days by disinfecting their houses and vicinity in coordination with the local health offices.
The beneficiaries can also avail of a personal accident insurance, personal protective equipment, and cleaning kit.
The TUPAD #BKBK is implemented through the barangay/local government units, who will have 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 Php10,000 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.