P$1 billion of cash aid to be disbursed to workers in the Philippines

The Philippines is set to disburse P$1 billion (US$19.49 million) in cash aid under its third tranche of handouts for displaced and disadvantaged workers. 

Some 200,000 formal sector workers affected by pandemic-led restrictions in Metro Manila and other regions on the country are set to receive P5,000 (US$97.47) in cash aid from the government by end-January, said the Department of Labour and Employment (DOLE), according to ABS-CBN news. 

DOLE foresaw the need for cash aid for workers in industries that would be impacted by the stricter measures, which include the sectors of food, entertainment and tourism, said DOLE Assistant Secretary Dominique Rubia-Tutay.

In end-2021, sectors like tourism saw increased revenue due to relaxed restrictions, but were affected by the rise in COVID-19 cases and the heightened alert levels after the New Year, Tutay said. 

Over 50 provinces and cities have been placed under Alert Level 3 from January 16 till the end of the month. 

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Affected companies or individual beneficiaries can apply for the cash aid online. After that, the sum will be remitted electronically to the intended recipients after around a week.