DOLE: 4.7 Million Distressed Filipino Workers Benefit from PH Projects
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)dole-distressed-workers-assisted has provided assistance to more than 4.7 million Filipinos who were displaced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. In a report published on December 27, 2021, by the Philippine News Agency, it was revealed that the pandemic had severely impacted economies, affecting a significant number of Filipino overseas workers.
Fortunately, the Philippine government has implemented various projects that have made significant strides in helping both Filipinos and foreign workers navigate the challenges brought about by the “new normal.
Millions of dole-distressed-workers-assisted Filipinos Assisted by PH Government
Dole Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has announced that the department has intensified its efforts to implement three key social rehabilitation programs aimed at helping unemployed workers recover from the effects of the pandemic.
A total of 4.707 million distressed formal and informal employees, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), have already received assistance amounting to PHP 26.1 billion. These programs have been instrumental in providing much-needed support to those affected by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.
The COVID-19 Response Programs include the following:
- Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD)
- Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP)
- Abot-Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP)
TUPAD – Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers
Under the TUPAD program, approximately 1.993 million workers in the informal sector were employed through an emergency employment campaign worth PHP9.62 billion.
TUPAD is a community-based employment program that provides short-term opportunities ranging from 10 to 30 days for underemployed, unemployed, and seasonal workers.
Participants receive payment based on the minimum wage prevailing in their region, which is then remitted through a cash remittance service provider
COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP)
In the Philippines, a total of 2.173 million workers employed in private enterprises, including those in the tourism industry and education sector, have received financial aid amounting to PHP10.894 billion through the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP).
Under the program, each employee was given a one-time lump sum payment of PHP5,000. This financial assistance aimed to support workers who were affected by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abot-Kamay ang Pagtulong (AKAP)
The AKAP (Abot Kamay ang Pagtulong) program is a one-time assistance initiative aimed at supporting Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have been adversely affected by the pandemic. Each eligible OFW receives PHP 10,000 as financial aid. The program had a budget of PHP 5.487 billion, which was allocated to provide assistance to a total of 540,876 OFWs who were forced to leave their jobs and homes due to the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The AKAP Program aims to alleviate the financial burden faced by OFWs and help them during these challenging times.
Taking Care of Overseas Filipino Workers
The Labor government agencies of the Philippines have been working closely together to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) around the world.
According to Bello’s statement, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has established 18 One Stop Shop Service Centers, which have provided assistance to more than 759,158 OFWs across the country.
The Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) have been instrumental in supporting 1.522 million OFWs in their respective work locations overseas. Currently, there are 39 POLO offices located in different countries.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) has successfully repatriated 837,080 OFWs. Additionally, through initiatives such as Tabang OFW and the Emergency Subsidy Program (ESP), OWWA has granted scholarships to 95,387 dependents of OFWs.
These projects have made a significant impact on hundreds of thousands of Filipinos during this crisis. The government’s efforts have created better opportunities for all of us, and we should be grateful for their dedication, especially in challenging times.
However, it is important to recognize that there is still a long journey ahead before we can fully witness the effects of the pandemic. When that time comes, we must remain vigilant and appreciate all the support that has been provided to us, even in the face of difficulties.
Conclusion
the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has successfully provided assistance to approximately 4.7 million distressed Filipino workers through various projects in the Philippines. These initiatives aim to alleviate the hardships faced by these workers, offering them support and benefits during challenging times.
The efforts of DOLE have significantly impacted the lives of these workers, providing them with essential resources and opportunities for improvement. By implementing projects focused on job creation, skills training, livelihood programs, and other forms of assistance, DOLE has played a crucial role in helping distressed Filipino workers regain stability and enhance their overall well-being.
The positive impact of these PH projects can be seen in the lives of the beneficiaries, who have benefited from improved employment opportunities, increased income, and enhanced skills. Moreover, the initiatives have contributed to the overall growth and development of the economy by empowering workers and promoting productivity.
The success of DOLE’s projects underscores the government’s commitment to prioritize the welfare of Filipino workers and promote inclusive economic growth. By addressing the needs of distressed workers, the government demonstrates its dedication to reducing poverty and ensuring a more equitable society.
Moving forward, it is crucial for DOLE: 4.7 Million Distressed Filipino Workers Benefit from PH Project to continue its efforts in supporting distressed Filipino workers, expanding the reach of its projects, and exploring new avenues for assistance. By sustaining these initiatives and adapting to evolving challenges, DOLE can continue to make a significant difference in the lives of millions of Filipino workers, fostering a more resilient and prosperous nation.
