Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (File photo) MANILA - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) assured cash assistance to workers who will be displaced by the implementation of the stricter Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila. "We are prepared for any eventuality because you have given us a good budgetary allocation especially on our program for informal workers, TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced)," Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in his report to President Roa Rodrigo during the Talk to the People Thursday night. He reported that some PHP50 million was allocated under the Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) for tourism workers. "In the case of the tourism industry, Mr. President, iyong CAMP, this is the Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program. And upon the funding of Secretary Berna, Mr. President, we allocated PHP50 million for her workers in the tourism industry," the DOLE chief said. At the same time, he added that they are ready in case the situation worsens. "However, Mr. President, in case of worst scenario, we may be compelled to allocate PHP1 billion for workers who will be affected by this Alert Level 3. Mr. President, this Alert Level 3 is only until January 15. Now, if it lasts longer, then the number of displaced workers will definitely increase, especially when we are talking about Alert Level 4," Bello added. Bello said among industries that might bear the brunt of strict quarantine restrictions are the "accommodation, restaurant and construction as well as transportation sectors". CAMP is one-time cash assistance of PHP5,000 given to formal sector workers while TUPAD is an emergency employment assistance where beneficiaries are given temporary jobs. Informal sector workers will be paid based on the prevailing minimum wage in the region they were hired. (PNA) }