FILE PHOTO: Some shops at the Boracay Island
MANILA, Philippines — According to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Western Visayas, an estimated 36,000 workers from over 3,000 registered establishments in Boracay will be affected by the temporary closure of the island starting April 26.
Due to the island’s shutdown, the displaced workers will not be able to pay monthly contribution and loans to Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG Fund.
The Boracay Industry Tripartite Council (BITC) created a resolution that seeks the implementation of moratorium or the temporary cessation of SSS monthly contributions of displaced workers in Boracay.
The council will also ask financial and technical assistance from national government agencies.
“This resolution involves appeal of the workers and the management sector asking for moratorium from SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig from payment of premiums kasi wala po silang kita (because they have no income), and then payment of loans,” DOLE-Aklan Director Carmela Abellar said.
Next week, DOLE central office and the Office of the President are expected to submit the resolution.
Meanwhile, the labor department is hastening the process of profiling of the formal and informal sectors in the island to be able to create an emergency employment plan and identify the scope of the closure’s impact.
“We are encouraging all those who have received the forms to accomplish that one and to submit even on a weekend,” said Abellar.
DOLE also reminded displaced workers of the opportunity to earn for being a part of the six-month rehabilitation program.
Also, layoffs are prohibited despite the closure. If they will terminate employees, employers must provide separation pay and benefits based on the law.
With leave during the six-month period, employees must return to work once the island reopens. — UNTV News & Rescue
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