22 thousand workers, shops hit by COVID-19 in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — More than 22,000 workers and 399 establishments have been affected by the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Central Visayas, as of March 24, 2020.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 Information Officer Luchel Taniza said that of the 22,047 affected workers, 19,629 are affected by the flexi-work arrangement; 2,184 were affected due to temporary closure of their respective establishments; and 234 workers were retrenched.

Taniza said that 321 establishments resorted to flexi-work arrangement such as forced leave, reduced number of days/working hours or work rotations, while there were 74 establishments or companies resorted to temporary closure and four establishments reported to retrenchment of its workers.

Taniza added that companies who temporarily closed, retrenched its workers and resorted to flexi-work arrangement are from the manufacturing, restaurants, resorts and research and development.

Meanwhile, starting this week, DOLE would only accept documents from clients online.

DOLE-7 Regional Director Salome O. Siaton said the move is to support the government’s call for everyone to observe physical distancing.

Until everything is back to normal, clients are urged to avoid submitting documents to the department personally.

For concerns not related to the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP), they could be emailed to [email protected].

For documents or applications related to the availment of the CAMP, clients are advised to send them to the following emails, to wit:

1) Companies located within the Cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapulapu- [email protected];

2) Companies in Cebu Province outside the Cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu- [email protected];

3) Companies located in the Province of Negros Oriental- [email protected];

4) Companies in Siquijor- [email protected]; and

5) Companies located in Bohol- [email protected].

“As much as possible, we will do what we can as a show of support to the government and to all the frontliners in this fight. Physical distancing must be observed. At these extraordinary times, it is imperative that we religiously abide by rules and regulations set by government,” said Siaton, in a statement.

She disclosed that for the delivery of public assistance, apart from the hotline numbers accommodating calls, there is going to be makeshift public assistance desk office to be set up outside the DOLE building.

“We just have to establish a strict protocol on physical distancing. So for our clients, don’t feel offended when the public assistance desk officer of the day would keep his distance from you as the same is purposely done for everyone’s safety. If possible, since all of us are urged to stay at home, call our hotlines or email us for your concerns,” added Siaton.  GAN (FREEMAN)