Labor department to help quake-displaced workers

February 13, 2017

The labor department said Monday it is preparing to help workers displaced by the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao City last Friday.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the department is going to provide emergency employment to affected workers for 10 days, where they will be provided daily salary equal to the prevailing regional minimum wage rate.

“We can hire them to clean the debris from damaged buildings and bridges, as well as street sweepers. What is important is they have jobs,” said Bello.

As for overseas foreign workers  their dependents, Bello said they are considering giving financial assistance. Bello said the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has a budget for this.

Bello said they are preparing livelihood programs for displaced workers.

Seven were reported killed while 120 were injured in the quake the struck the city at 10:03 pm Friday. DMS