Over 28,000 displaced workers during the 14-day Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) from August 6 to 20 in Quezon City are set to receive P2,000 aid from the city government starting on Friday, September 10.

Through the city’s Kalingang QC sa Manggagawa program for displaced workers, QC residents who have lost their jobs and sources of livelihood are entitled to financial assistance.

“Ayuda will be given to workers residing in the city who were not given salaries during the two week-ECQ and self-employed individuals whose jobs were not permitted during the said quarantine period. We will also provide assistance to those who are not beneficiaries of the ECQ financial assistance of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD),” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

Employees, regardless of their employment status (regular, probationary, seasonal, part-time, project-based, or fixed term), can avail of the program.

According to Barangay and Community Relations Department (BCRD) head Ricardo Corpuz, the city has verified and approved over 28,000 applicants as recipients of the program. They are scheduled for payout until next week.

“With the help of barangays na nangolekta ng forms sa ating target beneficiaries, we are hoping to finish distributing the cash aid until next week,” Corpuz explained.

Applicants presented a valid government ID showing their address; certification from their employer or payslip showing that they did not receive their salary for the duration of ECQ or a certification from the barangay that their business or job was not permitted and they did not earn during that period.

They filled up and submitted application forms and other documents to their respective barangays. BCRD collated the forms and forwarded it to the Social Services Development Department (SSDD).

The SSDD, together with the BCRD, Public Employment Services Office (PESO), and Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD), screened, verified, and approved the eligible and qualified applications.

SSDD notified the recipients for the schedule of claiming their assistance. The complete list of beneficiaries is posted at the Quezon City Government website.

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the city government has been extending its services to displaced workers such as hiring them as libreng sakay drivers and contact tracers, and has provided them with livelihood opportunities and capital assistance.

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