As many as 400,000 workers have been affected by the implementation of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila, according to a labor group.
According to Defend Jobs Philippines spokesperson Christian Lloyd Magsoy, most affected workers are from the construction, accommodation and food services, information and communications, wholesale and retail, and culture and entertainment sectors.
“Wala silang trabaho at kung paano nila pakakainin ang pamilya nila dahil sa kawalan o kakulangan ng ayuda,” said Magsoy.
He also said that not all affected workers receive assistance from the government.
If there is help, it is lacking.
“Ang mga manggagawa natin, ang diskarte nila ay ang ibang may kakayanan, mag-online selling. Pero kung wala, umaasa sa pantries,” said Magsoy.
Among the affected workers was salon worker Rocelle Aguelo.
She received P3,000 in aid, but it immediately went to pay rent, water, and electricity.
“Problema ko ‘yong mga anak ko sa probinsiya, ‘di ko na napapadalhan kasi walang kinikita,” said Aguelo.
Today, Aguelo volunteers in a barangay in Mandaluyong to save and survive on food.
400,000 workers affected by ECQ in NCR: labor group
“Sa isang araw, twice lang kami kumakain. Tanghali na lang po at gabi,” she said.
According to the National Economic and Development Authority, P151.4 billion will be lost every week with ECQ in Metro Manila and other areas such as Laguna, Cagayan de Oro and Bataan.
This is if the ECQ is extended for up to 5 weeks in the said areas.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has suggested that the government should improve compliance with minimum health protocols instead of being a lockdown.
He also said that lockdown is not a solution but adds to the problem.
“We keep repeating the same measures, we get the same results,” said PCCI Acting President Edgardo Lacson.
Metro Manila, Laguna, and Bataan were placed under modified enhanced community quarantine until August 31.
“These latest classifications are without prejudice to the strict implementation of granular lockdowns,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, also acting as IATF-EID spokesperson, in a press statement.
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