QUEZON CITY -- Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will continue working hard to give services to displaced formal and informal workers despite threats from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Secretary Bello made the statement as thousands of displaced formal workers in Iloilo Province are set to receive the one-time cash assistance of P5,000 through the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP).   

"Sa araw na ito ay tatanggapin ng ating mga displaced formal sector workers ang tulong ng gobyerno mula sa CAMP. Medyo naantala nga lang ang pagdating sa inyo, pero binabati ko ang libo-libong kababayan natin sa Iloilo na tatanggap ng ayuda mula sa CAMP," he said in a video message.

The distribution of aid will be led by DOLE Regional Office 6 and other key local government officials. 

"Mas lalo pa ngang masigasig ang Kagawaran sa pamamahagi ng ayuda para sa mga manggagawa sa pormal at impormal na sektor na patuloy na naaapektuhan ng pandemya," the secretary said as he assured quality service from the department.

With the recent imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine in several areas, Secretary Bello said that apart from informal sector workers, displaced formal workers are also eligible to apply for the Department’s flagship cash-for-work program.

He is referring to the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed, and seasonal workers.

The period of employment ranges from 10 to 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.

Quoting President Rodrigo Duterte, Secretary Bello said the government's money is the people's money, "Kaya nararapat lamang na ibigay namin ito sa inyo".

He also encouraged workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19. (DOLE)