DOLE-7 issues unemployment certificates to 1,300 workers

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Central Visayas has issued around 1,300 certificates of unemployment (COUs) to affected workers in the Province of Cebu and to those in the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

DOLE-7 Regional Director Salome Siaton said they are closely monitoring the turnout of COU applications because this will give them an idea on the extent of unemployment occurring in the different provinces in Central Visayas.

Siaton said the issuance of COUs or Certificates of Involuntary separation is the DOLE’s assistance to affected workers.

Those who wish to apply for payment of unemployment insurance or involuntary separation benefit at the Social Security System may secure the certificates from DOLE.

 “All employees including Kasambahay and OFWs, who are covered by the grant of unemployment insurance or involuntary separation benefit may apply for DOLE Certification of Involuntary Separation,” Siaton said in a statement.

In his report, DOLE Tri-City Field Office chief Emmanuel Ferrer said his office issued a total of 1,294 COUs or Certificates of Involuntary Separation to affected workers since January 4, 2021.

DOLE-7 said tapping the list is retrenchment being the reason for involuntary separation, followed by closure of business, redundancy, economic downturn and disease or illness of workers.

The Cebu Provincial Field Office (CPFO), which covers the cities and municipalities outside the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu, issued only 28 COUs.

According to CPFO OIC Vivencio Lagahid, most of the COU applications received were filed due to retrenchment or business downsizing.

Bohol Field Office OIC Angeli  Salgados said there were 55 COUs issued, which were also due to retrenchment or business downsizing.

Siaton said they are still waiting for the data coming from their field offices in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

On the other hand,, as of December 29, 2020, the TCFO tallied 1,428 companies implementing flexible work arrangements (FWAs); 1,006 establishments temporarily closed affecting 25,754 workers; 1,219 companies retrenching 23,728 workers; and 136 establishments that permanently closed affecting 4,445 workers or a total of 107,074 workers affected. — KQD (FREEMAN)