DTI expects return of 100K displaced workers as NCR eases restrictions

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez. MALACANANG file photo / YANCY LIM

MANILA, Philippines — Some 100,000 displaced Filipino workers are expected to get their jobs back as Metro Manila is placed under a more relaxed Alert Level 2, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Monday.

Lopez said that of the total of 1.8 million individuals who lost their jobs due to the pandemic, 100,000 remain unemployed.

“Dahil sa mga movement pababa ng mga alert level cases, bago nag-Alert Level 2 ay mga 100,000 ang apektado,” he said in a  Palace briefing.

(Before the easing to Alert Level 2, 100,000 are still unemployed.)

“Ito ‘yung mga inaasahan nating makabalik itong Alert Level 2. Bottom line dito ay ito na nga mapapabalik sa economic activities,” he added.

(These people are the ones expected to return to their work under Alert Level 2. Bottomline is this is what will spur economic activities.)

Metro Manila was placed under Alert Level 2 starting Nov. 5 until Nov. 21 as authorities noted a decline in COVID-19 cases.

Under Alert Level 2, establishments are allowed to operate indoors at 50% with additional 10% capacity if they have a safety seal.

Outdoor capacity will be capped at 70%.

It would be up to the establishments to ensure that their customers adhere to public health safety standards, Lopez said.

“Kasama sa mga guidelines natin, bawat establisyimento, magtatalaga sila, maglalagay sila ng mga health and safety protocol officers. Katungkulan po nila ‘yan,” he said.

(In line with the guidelines, each establishment is ordered to appoint a health and safety protocol officer. That is their duty.)

JPV