DOLE ready to assist workers idled by suspended Manila Bay reclamation projects

A Manila Bay reclamation seen from J.W. Diokno Boulevard in Pasay City. The government recently suspended all reclamation activities in Manila Bay. (INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment is ready to assist workers who may have been affected by the suspension of the Manila Bay reclamation projects, DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said on Tuesday.

 Twenty-two Manila Bay reclamation projects were suspended as the government reviewed their possible environmental impact.

“Basta meron naapektuhan or napipinsala na mga manggagawa, nakahanda kami tumulong in various forms, puwedeng job facilitation, looking for jobs sa ibang mga kumpanya,” said Laguesma in an interview in Malacañang. 

(As long as there are affected workers, we are ready to help in various forms, such as job facilitation or looking for jobs in other companies.) 

Laguesma said that the DOLE has contact arrangements with private organizations. 

Laguesma added that the government is still studying the reclamation projects’ environmental impact and other issues.

gsg/abc