Fresh allocation of funds sought for DOLE-CAMP

CEBU, Philippines —  Major business organizations in Cebu, led by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), called on the government to infuse additional funds to DOLE’s COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP).

“On behalf of the business community, we are requesting from the national government, through DOLE 7, additional funds for CAMP, and recommending that this additional fund should be provided based on actual workers population affected by the pandemic. In this manner, it is implemented fairly and equitably,” states the joint statement signed by presidents of five business groups in Metro Cebu, namely; CCCI, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), Cebu Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce , Philippine Retailers Association-Cebu Chapter, and Mactan Economic and Processing Zone Chamber of Exporters and Manufacturers (MEPZCEM).

“The DOLE’s announcement on the end of CAMP puts a damper on our members and other members of the business community who have patiently waited to receive the government’s financial assistance for employees affected by the COVID-19 crisis,” the joint statement reads.

“In this most trying of times to all members of society, it becomes almost cruel and insensitive to be given hope of alleviation, only soon after to be deprived of such hope. The already rollercoaster ride for all, begins with fear that the silent COVID-19 will penetrate our homes, fear that it will cripple our community as economic activities begin to stagnate, fear that we might not be able to recover to a more stable state soon. Then to have the promised relief given to only 17 percent, a pittance,” the business leaders reasoned.

According to a DOLE’s press release dated May 8, 2020, Central Visayas has a total budget of P158,090,000.00 for CAMP, which benefitted 31,618 workers coming from 1,403 companies regionwide.

The program fund allocation should have been set based on actual data or statistics available at DOLE so that it will be fair to everyone.

“Discontinuing the program due to lack of funds would create confusion and emotional stress from affected workers especially during this pandemic where they have no source of income due to temporary closure or shutdown. Workers are banking on the committed subsidy as it is of big help to them in alleviating their current plight,” the joint position paper further indicated.

According to the business chambers, the workers played a vital role in economic growth.

“Our productive sector deserves better treatment from the very government to whom they have religiously remitted their taxes. This sows greater unrest which we do not need right now. This must be addressed somehow in favor of the 80 percent. Closing the program arbitrarily will be perceived as selective and run counter to its original objective of helping the marginalized workers,” it added.