DOLE to Covid-affected workers: Apply for funds P236 million available

By Carlito C. Dar

BAGUIO CITY -- The Dept. of Labor and Employment urged private sector workers displaced or affected by the Covid – 19 pandemic  to apply  for fund aid under the  CAMP or Covid – 19 adjustment measures program under  Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2.
    Deadline of application is Dec. 10, 2020.
    Applications must be submitted online  through https://reports.dole.gov.ph/.
    DOLE Cordillera regional director Exequiel Ronie Guzman, in a press conference here said for CAMP under Bayanihan 2, displaced workers in tourism and education sectors can also apply for the program. This new component is   in partnership with the Dept. of Tourism, Dept. of Education and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.
    Guzman said the regional DOLE office has an allocation of P149 million for the formal sector workers while DOT Cordillera  has  P87 million for the tourism sector. 
    Another P49 million is allocated for the education sector.
    DOLE Cordillera data showed to date, there were only 7,188 beneficiaries paid with a total disbursement of P35.94 million for CAMP 2.
    Assistant DOLE regional director Jesus Atal said CAMP is a safety net program that provides one-time financial support of P5,000 to affected workers in the formal sector due to the Covid - 19, whether due to temporary or permanent closure of establishments or implementation of a flexible working arrangements.
    For CAMP 2, Atal said priority beneficiaries were micro, small and medium enterprises   and other establishments who applied but did not receive any financial assistance under Bayanihan 1 as well as   new MSME applicants. 
    For the education sector, Atal said displaced workers, either teaching or non – teaching personnel in private and public education institutions,  can apply for the financial assistance.
    For the tourism sector, CAMP 2 covers displaced workers in DOT – accredited primary or secondary tourism enterprises, LGU – licensed primary enterprises and members of qualified community – based tourism organizations including tour guides.
    Under CAMP 1, the Cordillera DOLE office reported 25,734 formal sector workers in  the region  received assistance with a total disbursement of around P128.67 million.
    For more information about CAMP2, interested individuals  can visit the DOLE – CAR Regional Office or any DOLE provincial office nearest  them.
    Guzman said as of Nov. 27 data, a total of 5,206 establishments involving 80,424 workers were affected by the pandemic.
The number included 966 establishments  with 20,808 workers  that implemented flexible working arrangements (reduction of workdays, rotation of workers, implementation of forced leave and tele-commuting or work from home)  while 4,204 establishments involving 59,6016 workers  implemented temporary closures.
    For more information about CAMP 2, interested  individuals  can visit the DOLE – CAR regional office or any DOLE provincial office nearest  them. – PIA No. 3, 3 cols