THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed more than P18.2 million worth of assistance to some 3,744 retrenched factory workers of the Sports City Inc. at the Mactan Economic Zone in Lapu-Lapu City.
The DSWD, through its Field Office VII in Central Visayas, distributed family food packs and cash aid through its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation last week.
Social Welfare undersecretary for Inclusive and sustainable peace Alan Tanjusay, quoting DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo, said the instructions of President Marcos Jr. was to help the workers immediately.
Prior to the distribution of food packs and cash aids, representatives from the local government unit of Lapu-Lapu City, offices of the congressional representatives, and other agencies conducted a multi-stakeholders meeting to discuss how to help the affected workforce. They also requested DSWD to provide additional help to the employees.
Some 4,000 workers were retrenched in late September after the Mactan Apparels Inc., Metro Wear Inc., Globalwear Manufacturing Inc., Feeder Apparel Corp., and the Vertex One Apparel Philippines Inc., – all operating at the Mactan Economic Zone – downsized their workforce due to the sudden reduction of orders from foreign clients and their increasing operational costs.
