MANILA, Philippines — A total of 20 businesses nationwide temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 scare, an official of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) revealed Wednesday.
“These establishments involve a little over 300 workers and these are from Regions 6, 7, and 12,” Bureau of Local Employment Director Nikki Tutay said during a press conference at DOLE’s central office in Manila.
Labor Undersecretary Ana Dione said most of these businesses belong to the tourism industry, specifically hotels and restaurants.
Meanwhile, Tutay said DOLE is poised to ask from the Department of Budget and Management a supplemental fund of P2 billion to augment the agency’s financial assistance schemes like the Adjustment Measures Program and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Advantaged/Displaced Workers Program for employees who might be displaced due to COVID-19.