A total of 7,245 displaced workers in Western Visayas have received some PHP36 million worth of cash assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) as of April 9.

Under the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Adjustment Measures Program or CAMP, the labor agency releases a one-time PHP5,000 financial assistance to each affected worker.

“DOLE is working really hard to make sure that your financial support is released as soon as possible,” the DOLE-Western Visayas said in its official Facebook page.

So far, the DOLE-Western Visayas has processed and approved two batches of applications of affected companies.

Recipients can claim the cash assistance after receiving a text notice from partner-money transfer service outlets.

In its report, DOLE-Western Visayas said the total number of recipient-workers, so far include 2,251 affected by flexible working arrangements and 4,994 affected by temporary closure.

These are workers of 376 establishments, including 82 with implemented flexible working arrangements and 294 with businesses temporarily closed.

DOLE Department Order 209 issued on March 17 stated that the one-time financial assistance shall be provided to affected workers in lump sum, non-conditional, regardless of employment status.

The CAMP initiative is the labor agency’s safety net that seeks to provide financial support to affected workers as measure to mitigate the adverse economic impact and reduction of income.

DOLE-Western Visayas has called on its clients, partners and stakeholders to comply with the instructions indicated in the flyers posted on its official Facebook page.

“Only private establishments which have implemented flexible working arrangements or temporary closure due to Covid-19 are eligible to apply,” it added. (PNA)