DBM authorizes P2.5B for workers’ cash aid

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) authorized an additional P2.5 billion for cash aid to private sector workers affected by the coronavirus lockdown.

On Friday, April 17, DBM Secretary Wendel Avisado signed the Statement of Allotment Release Order (SARO) and Notice of Cash Allocation (NCA) for DOLE’s coronavirus adjustment program.

DOLE stopped accepting applications for the cash aid on Wednesday, April 15, due to depleted funds. As of Thursday, April 16, around P1.2 billion had been disbursed to over 200,000 workers, with an additional P400,000 yet to be released.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III explained that the number of applicants surged after the government extended the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon until April 30.