DOLE-6 eyes to end COVID-19 aid by Christmas

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

 

The Department of Labor and Employment-Region 6 (DOLE-6) said Friday it was looking to end its Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Adjustment Measure Program (CAMP) financial assistance to formal sector workers in the region before Christmas Day.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III issued Labor Advisory No. 33 s. 2020 on Thursday, Dec. 10, which stopped the acceptance of online applications for the regular CAMP.

The advisory also said that DOLE would continue to accept and process applications for a special CAMP for tourism industry workers, in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The assistance includes all tourism-related major industry groups such as Administrative and Support Service Activities, Accommodation and Food Service Activities, Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Activities except gambling and betting services, and Other Service Activities.

DOLE also has another special CAMP partnership for the education sector with the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

CAMP is one of the COVID-19 financial assistance programs by the DOLE under Republic Act No. 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal as One Act or “Bayanihan I”) and Rep. Act No. 11494 (Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or “Bayanihan II”).

Eligible workers affected or displaced because of the COVID-19 pandemic will receive one-time assistance of P5,000 under the CAMP.

The Bayanihan II has set a deadline for the release of financial aid by Dec. 19, 2020.

In Western Visayas, P167 million is allocated for the regular CAMP, and P247 million for the DOLE-DOT partnership under Bayanihan II.

DOLE-6 spokesperson Niezel Sabrido confirmed to Aksyon Radyo Iloilo that they have already reached their regular CAMP quota.

She added that the agency was already looking to maximize its processing of applications and rollout of funds under the regular CAMP.

She estimated that the beneficiaries might have exceeded more than 50,000, with more than 25,000 applications from Negros Occidental alone.

“The reason for [the ceasing] is because [the DOLE] has reached the target [number of CAMP beneficiaries]. We were very much overwhelmed. We are happy for the great support given by our clients and beneficiaries because we received a lot of applications. Right now, we are processing and evaluating the remaining applications for payment,” Sabrido said.

Sabrido also confirmed that the DOLE is also planning other programs to assist workers affected by the pandemic.