DOLE Confirms Talks Over Possible Assistance for Workers amid ECQ

DOLE Speaks on Assistance for Workers To Be Affected by ECQ

DOLE – The Department of Labor and Employment confirmed talks with other agencies over the possible assistance for workers who will be affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

The Delta variant of COVID-19 caused alarms to countries for its higher transmissibility. Several nations including the Philippines recorded cases of this variant of concern. In PH, local transmissions were logged.

A lot of Filipinos got different reactions following the confirmation of local transmissions of the Delta variant in the country. Experts believe stricter community quarantine measures are needed. Some business groups are worried that the economy will be shut down again.

Currently, the Philippines does not allow the entry of travelers from India, Thailand, Malaysia, and several other countries as part of the efforts to prevent the spread of the Delta variant.

The whole Metro Manila is also set to be placed under the strictest quarantine measure, the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), for two weeks from August 6 to August 20. It is eyed to be a strict lockdown as a move to fight the spread of the Delta variant.

Lockdowns affect a lot of people financially most especially those who are receiving a daily wage. Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) confirmed that there are talks over the possible assistance for the workers.

According to Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, they are discussing with the departments of trade, social welfare, and health. Based on the report, he said that his department is prepared most especially for the formal and informal workers as they have funds left from what was given by the President and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Meanwhile, Bello is appealing for additional funds to assist formal and informal workers during the two-week lockdown in Metro Manila. The DOLE Chief stressed the need to “be very ready for any eventuality” in case the effect of the ECQ would be very hard to cope with.

More updates may be posted soon. Thank you for visiting Philnews.ph. You may express your thoughts and reactions below through the comment section. You may also follow us on Facebook, on Twitter, and subscribe to our YouTube channel Philnews Ph.