The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released the assistance fund for more than 1,600 workers from various companies and business establishments that were severely affected by Covid-19 pandemic.
In a statement, DOLE Sec. Silvestro Bellow III said a total of 1,670 workers benefited from the release of the P8.35 million fund as part of the Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP3).
Bello said the recipients represent the first batch of beneficiaries, adding that its regional offices are still reviewing applications from more than 15,000 employees.
“Restrictions on mobility as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have adversely affected businesses and the employment of many of our people. We hope that the financial support provided by the department cushions the impact and gives our workers a fighting chance,” said Bello.
Under the program, workers in areas that were placed under Covid Alert Level 3 will receive a one-time financial assistance of P5,000.
Bello said a total of 711 beneficiaries were from Bulacan; 587 were from Pampanga, 180 from Zambales, 127 from Tarlac, 57 from Nueva Ecija and eight from Bataan.
In an earlier announcement, Bello disclosed that the agency has already stopped accepting online applications for the CAMP3, now that National Capital Region eased to Covid Alert Level 1.
Likewise, he said that almost all provinces in Central Luzon are now under the more lenient Alert Level 1, except for Nueva Ecija and Zambales.