The government has rolled out a P27.1-billion response fund to support various sectors in mitigating the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) on almost all sectors in the country. The Social Security System, meanwhile, committed a P1.2-billion fund that will cover unemployment benefits for dislocated workers. The Finance department said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s scholarship programs amounting to P3 billion would support displaced workers through upskilling and reskilling. The Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, on the other hand, provided P14 billion to the Department of Tourism’s various programs and projects meant to support the tourism industry. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) gave assurances that releases of allotments and cash allocations shall be facilitated to cover the requirements of the government.

Source: Manila Times March 17, 2020 16:18 UTC