E-trike drivers to disinfect areas, not ferry health workers

March 20, 2020

The 189 e-trike drivers in the nation’s capital  to be deployed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will help in sanitation and disinfection activities in the City of Manila. 

In a statement,  National Capital Regional Director Sarah Buena Mirasol said there is no truth to reports  they will provide emergency employment to e-trike drivers to ferry frontline workers to and from their respective workplaces. 

"While we confirm that the emergency employment program will benefit e-trike drivers of Manila, their work, however, will be done in their respective barangays to disinfect their residences and public places," said Mirasol. 

"It is a special work scheme devised to help the informal sector workers that conforms with the social distancing protocol to address the spread of COVID-19," said Mirasol. 

The DOLE issued the statement after Manila Mayor Isko Moreno announced on Thursday that 189 e-trike drivers will be deployed to ferry health workers in Manila under the department's emergency employment program. 

On Wednesday, the DOLE said it is allocating P180-million for its emergency employment program under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD). 

Some 18,000 informal sector workers are expected to benefit from the program, which will provide disinfection work of their own homes and immediate vicinity of their houses.  

All worker-benefeciaries shall receive the minimum daily wage in the region for 10 days of work, as well as enrolment to group micro-insurance. DMS