But Rebecca Geamala, DSWD Western Visayas director, said there were sufficient funds for the allowance, which was part of the government’s aid to displaced Boracay workers. At least 17,000 registered workers and 19,000 informal workers were to suffer loss of income during Boracay’s six-month closure. In a statement, Diokno said the government was tapping the P13-billion contingency fund in the 2018 national budget for assistance to Boracay workers. Called Boracay Emergency Employment Program (Beep), the Dole plan “ensures the safety nets are in place,” Diokno said. Dooc said the SSS would waive service fee, equivalent to 1 percent of the loan amount, for Boracay workers.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 29, 2018 21:11 UTC