Workers in the informal economy are among those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown has led to an increase in unemployment at 7.3 million in April 2020. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) recorded the highest unemployment rate at almost 30 per cent. The ILO-Japan Water and Sanitation Project has partnered with the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) to reach out to affected workers through the Community Emergency Employment Programme (CEEP).

The programme, with funding support from the Government of Japan aims to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Balabagan, Lanao del Sur, workers joined a CEEP orientation held on 14 November 2020. The orientation provided workers with information on labour rights including minimum wages and social protection benefits. To ensure safety and health at work amid the pandemic, workers learned more about occupational safety and health including risks and hazards. They also received necessary tools, personal protective equipment, and other safety OSH provisions.

Aside from the CEEP, MOLE also works closely with the ILO as chair the Project Advisory and Review Committee (PARC) of the ILO-Japan Water and Sanitation Project in the BARMM region, which targets to improve access to safe water and provide employment with social protection.

For further information please contact:

Ms Ma Jennylyn Aguinaldo
Project Manager
Email