DOLE Says Over 2M Workers Displaced Locally By Coronavirus Pandemic
DOLE – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said more than 2 million workers were displaced locally by the coronavirus pandemic.
On March 17, 2020, Philippine President Rodrigo Roa Duterte placed Luzon under “enhanced community quarantine” (ECQ) to prevent the spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Recently, he decided to extend the ECQ in Central Luzon, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, and other high-risk provinces until May 15.
All travel to and from the city or province that’s under ECQ is suspended. All establishments except for pharmacies and grocery stores were closed.
The frontliners – such as airport staff, health care workers, cops, vendors, and BPO are allowed to go to work. Each household has a representative that’s allowed to buy basic needs like medicines and food.
On Sunday, April 26, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said there are more than 2 million workers displaced locally after the president imposed ECQ. The government agency said the Filipinos that were affected by the COVID-19 crisis had reached 2,073,362. 79,271 businesses reported the number.
According to the report, the labor department said more than 687,000 Filipino workers saw depletion in the incomes after the firms changed their work arrangements such as forced leave, less workday, and telecommuting. The National Capital Region has the highest number of displaced workers.
- National Capital Region- 687,634
- Central Luzon- 281,278
- Davao Region- 207,789
- Calabarzon- 158,646
- Central Visayas- 86,767
- MIMAROPA- 74,533
- Bicol Region- 65,757
- CAR- 63,957
- CARAGA- 39,711
- Region 1- 32,017
- Region 2- 88,531
- Region 6- 65,892
- Region 8- 49,362
- Region 9- 37,683
- Region 10- 106,162
- Region 12- 27,643
Based on the report, DOLE said they have already supported the financial needs of 345,865 workers under COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP). The agency stopped accepting requests after they swamped with volumes of applications.
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