The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) assured that there are sufficient government programs and financial assistance for displaced workers due to the pandemic.
In a statement, Budget Secretary Wendel E. Avisado said the DBM has already released and allocated the budget for the different government agencies to aid those who lost their jobs, especially overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
He also said the government, through Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, shouldered the expenses of the returning OFWs’ quarantine facility, food, and transportation.
The budget chief explained that several government agencies have their respective programs to help those who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in rebuilding their livelihood.
Among them are Executive Order No. 114, which institutionalized the Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa Program; the Department of Labor and Employment’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD; and the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS).
These government programs were funded by Bayanihan I and II, start rebuild their livelihood, Avisado said.
The budget chief also said that small and medium-sized entrepreneurs, including sari-sari store owners can also benefit from the AICS programs.
There are also programs for those who were hit from the service sectors such as tourism, transportation, and accommodation.
He also said that the Department of Agriculture will also help farmers who were also affected.
“It’s either through the many programs they have. Tulong pinansyal, tulong sa inputs, binhi, fertilizers,” he added.
The budget chief also reiterated that they will continue "to serve and heed the call of our people in these trying times" as he assured that the government will continue to address the people’s needs.