The Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) estimates that around 10 million Filipinos could find themselves out of employment due to the impact of the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III reveals that around 2.6 million Filipinos have already lost their jobs as many businesses have closed up shop.
“Our estimate is that we might lose about more than four to five million jobs… Karamihan po ‘yan sa service sector. Malaki po ang tourism, ‘yung allied businesses like restaurants, then transportation,” Bello said during a senate hearing on COVID-19 updates as per reports from GMA News.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto pressed Secretary Bello to ask if estimates could possibly reach 10 million, to which the DOLE official responded: “I hate to say it but it’s possible.”
Among the solutions that DOLE is currently eyeing is the expansion of its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program to anticipate providing assistance for those who will be laid off from their jobs.
In addition, DOLE hopes that pending infrastructure projects lined up for the country’s post-pandemic recovery plan would also lead to job creation to help Filipinos find employment amid the pandemic.
