CEBU CITY, Cebu, Oct.4 (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region 7 (DSWD7), together with the Lapu-lapu City government, led the distribution of financial assistance to 4,137 remaining retrenched workers from the five companies under Sports City Inc. located at the Mactan Economic Zone (formerly Mactan Export Processing Zone), at Hoops Dome, Lapu-Lapu City on Oct. 4.

This after the Lapu-lapu City Council approved in mass motion during its fifth special session on Sept. 30 a resolution requesting DSWD Sec. Erwin Tulfo for assistance to the affected workers.

Through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, the said workers received cash aid ranging from P2,000 to P5,000 and family food packs.

During the press conference held at Hoops Dome e-library, DSWD Usec. for Inclusive and Sustainable Peace, Alan Tanjusay, said the agency has allocated a total of P21 million for the financial assistance and P2.3 million for the Family Food Packs which will be distributed to the MEPZ workers who have lost their jobs due to company retrenchment. 

According to DSWD7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, the agency has conducted profiling and assessment of the affected workers to determine the eligible beneficiaries and the appropriate assistance that will be given to them. 

The DSWD7, through AICS, has already released a total of P427,620 worth of financial assistance and family food packs to 66 retrenched workers on Oct. 3.

Sports City Inc. in Lapu-lapu City announced on Sept. 29 the downsizing of its 4,203 workers.

These are employees of Global Wear Manufacturing, Metro Wear, Inc., Feeder Apparel Corporation, Vertex One Apparel Philippines, Inc., and Mactan Apparels, Inc. (RGC/PIA7)