DOLE eyes aid to displaced workers from Manila Bay reclamation projects
At A Glance
- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) stands ready to assist displaced workers from the suspension of reclamation activities.
- DOLE said they will be assisted by linking them to different companies.
- Displaced workers were also asked to access DOLE's online portal to check job openings.
While the government has yet to receive reports of displaced workers due to the suspension of all reclamation projects in Manila Bay, a Cabinet member said affected workers will be assisted.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) stands ready to assist displaced workers from the suspension of reclamation activities through "various forms."
"Wala ako natatanggap na report na meron naapektuhan na mga manggagawa. But in any case kung meron, we prepared to assist them kung sila ay na-displace (I have not received any report on affected workers. But in any case if there are, we prepared to assist them if they are displaced)," Laguesma told Malacañang reporters on Tuesday, Aug. 15.
The Labor chief noted that the role of the DOLE is to assist displaced workers through job facilitation or direct them to the department's online portal for job openings.
"Basta meron naapektuhan or napipinsala na mga manggagawa, e, nakahanda kami tumulong in various forms. Puwedeng job facilitation, looking for jobs sa ibang mga kumpanya (If there are affected workers, we are ready to help in various forms. It can be job facilitation or looking for jobs in other companies)," he said.
Laguesma further said that the DOLE has established Philjobnet.gov.ph. which job seekers can access to check opportunities. He also said that further dissemination of the project must be done to reach more Filipino workers.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. declared the suspension of all reclamation activities in Manila Bay last week.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga said all the reclamation projects in Manila Bay will be assessed during the suspension.
Loyzaga also said that a scientific team will conduct a community impact assessment on the reclamation projects. The team, which will be composed of physical scientists, oceanographers, geologists, climate scientists, and social scientists, will be organized this month.