Guidelines on the Adjustment Measure Program DO 209

Please be advised that the Department of Labor and Employment issued Department Order No. 209 s. 2020, which give guidelines to the Covid19 Adjustment Measures Program.

1. The Guidelines is applicable to (a) affected establishments that had implemented Flexible Work Arrangements or temporary closure as mitigating measures due to COVID-19 pandemic. (b) Affected workers.

2. Financial support will be given to affected workers equivalent to PhP 5,000.00 in lump sum, non-conditional, regardless of employment status.

3. The private establishment must be eligible and qualified to avail of this program. The employer must apply with DOLE Regional Office and will be evaluated accordingly. The procedure are enclosed in this email.

4. The financial support will be given directly by DOLE Regional Office through bank transfer within 2 weeks upon receipt.

5. Employment Facilitation will be given to employees that are terminated by reason of closure of business.

For everyone's information.

Warm regards,

Atty Claude

Labor Advisory No. 9 and supplemental Labor Advisory No, 11, in relation to the implementation of remedial measure due to the outgoing COVID19 outbreak

The Department of Labor and Employment had issued Labor Advisory No. 9 and supplemental Labor Advisory No, 11, in relation to the implementation of remedial measure due to the outgoing COVID19 outbreak.

DOLE calls for flexi work, other means to deal with Covid-19

News Release
Department of Labor and Employment
March 4, 2020

DOLE calls for flexi work, other means to deal with Covid-19

Amid the creeping impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on global trade and its perceived impact on domestic economies, the labor department announced yesterday a package of measures that would mitigate any potential threat the disease might have on the country's labor market.

In a press briefing, Secretary Silvestre Bello III said that the labor department is preparing a wide-ranging set of actions that would prepare the labor sector from any impact from the epidemic.

Bello said that he has tasked all labor officials, both in the regional offices and those in Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO), to be on alert-footing to allow a quick reporting system on worker displacements and pave the way for countermeasures.

He said the measures will include urging industry leaders to adopt "flexitime" work arrangements for workers in industries that could be affected by an outbreak.

The labor secretary also said that DOLE is preparing to reposition some of the department's financial programs to sectors that might be affected by an outbreak of COVID-19. He said assistance packages like the Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program (TUPAD), and Government Internship Program (GIP) will be repositioned to help workers in industries that could be affected by the epidemic.

In the same press briefing, Undersecretary Ana Dione said that the flexible work arrangements is a better alternative than the outright termination of the services of the employees or the total closure of the establishment.

"The labor department calls on employers to adopt flexible work arrangements as an alternative measure to save jobs. Instead of totally closing their businesses, we encourage them to adopt schemes such as reduced work days, rotation, and adjusted working hours," the senior labor official said.

OIC-Assistant Secretary Dominique Tutay added that 35 tourism-related establishments involving 3,255 workers have already resorted to flexible work arrangements. The establishments are located in Western Visayas, Central Visayas, and SOCCSKSARGEN regions.

Flexible work arrangements, which are temporary in nature, refer to alternative arrangements or schedules other than the traditional or standard work hours, workdays, and workweek.

It is one of the coping mechanisms and remedial measures in times of economic difficulties and national emergencies and is recognized as beneficial in terms of reducing business costs and saving jobs while maintaining competitiveness and productivity in industries.

Prior to its implementation, the employers shall notify the labor department through the Regional Office which has jurisdiction over the workplace. END/aldm