Over 100,000 workers affected by COVID-19 pandemic

Over 100,000 workers, both local and overseas, have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

As of March 23, a total of 111,789 workers were affected, with 108,620 being local hires and 3,169 being Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

The majority of affected local workers experienced temporary displacements due to flexible work arrangements or temporary closures implemented by 2,317 establishments.

The National Capital Region (NCR) reported the highest number of affected workers at 46,213.

Manufacturing and hotel, restaurant, and tourism-related sectors were the primary industries affected by these displacements.

OFWs faced displacement, repatriation, or became stranded due to travel restrictions, with Macau, Qatar, and Japan being among the locations with affected workers.

Additionally, 521 OFWs were reported stranded in countries like Singapore, Qatar, and the UAE.

In January and February 2020, a separate 35,933 workers were displaced nationwide, primarily due to workforce reduction.