Avail of gov’t aid, DOLE urges 4K Boracay workers

“We encourage the regular employees in Boracay and are now in other regions to visit the nearest DOLE offices to be able to assist you to be employed or avail of financial assistance for a period od six months,” the DOLE acting chief said. (PNA photo)

MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) urged around 4,000 regular workers in Boracay affected by the six-month closure of the island to avail of the assistance being provided by the government.

Labor Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod asked the workers from the island, who are now in other areas, to go to the nearest DOLE and apply for the assistance.

“We encourage the regular employees in Boracay and are now in other regions to visit the nearest DOLE offices to be able to assist you to be employed or avail of financial assistance for a period od six months,” the DOLE acting chief said in a press briefing on Wednesday.

He, however, noted that only half of the salary on the island, amounting to PHP4,200 per month, will be given to the affected workers.

“They will only be getting 50 percent that’s our agreement with the Office of the President,” Maglunsod added.

On the other hand, DOLE Assistant Secretary Benjo Benavidez reported that more than 13,000 beneficiaries have already availed of the assistance.

“Our budget is good for 17,735. But as we speak, ang naga-avail pa lang ng assistance namin (those who have availed of assistance from us) is 13,000 plus. We are still looking for the 4,000 plus workers,” he said.

Likewise, the DOLE official asked the members of media to help them inform qualified beneficiaries to go to DOLE and to avail of the financial assistance being given to the displaced workers.

Benavidez noted that financial assistance is retroactive.

“This is in the amount of PHP4,200 per month. So kung mag-avail sila ngayon, may utang pa kami (if they will avail now, we will incur debts) since May. We will give them the differentials starting May up to August or September,” he added.

On April 26, President Duterte ordered the total closure of Boracay Island to undergo rehabilitation for six months.

The island is scheduled to be reopened on October 26.