DISPLACEMENT OF ESTABLISHMENTS AND WORKERS IN CENTRAL VISAYAS IN TIMES OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Abstract

This research paper aims to present the state of establishments and workers in times of COVID-19 pandemic; discuss the implication of the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) under the Bayanihan 1; and make recommendation for improvement in the implementation of CAMP to the Department of Labor and Employment. When the national government imposed a nationwide enhance community quarantine or lockdown on March 16, 2020, majority of business establishments resorted to temporary closures or flexible working arrangements. The implementation of the said lockdown caused the displacement of establishments and workers. There are 9,519 establishments with 261,828 workers affected due to COVID 19 in Central Visayas. Displacement was either establishment implemented flexible work arrangement or resorted to temporary closures. Majority of the displacement came from temporary closures with 6,661 affected establishments (70%) and 150,825 affected workers (58%). Most affected establishments belong to Accommodation and Food Service Activities while most affected workers belong to Manufacturing. Mostly, micro and small size businesses were affected of this pandemic which is found in the Tri-Cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu being the center of commerce in Central Visayas. The Department of Labor and Employment being the implementing arm of the National Government in the field of labor and employment made a timely response thru the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP). KEYWORDS: Displacement, Covid-19 Pandemic, Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program, Philippines