More than 300 workers from the informal sectors attended the Labor Day for Informal Sector at the IEC Convention Center in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City on Wednesday, May 2.
Labor and Employment Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod said the government will extend assistance to these workers. “They have a huge contribution to our economy especially to the gross domestic product,” Maglunsod said.
He said the informal sectors also represent at least 50 percent of the country’s workforce.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) earlier advised these workers to form a cooperative so they can receive government aid.
Karen Trayvilla, director of the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns, said while they cannot provide money, they can offer tools such as “negosyo” cart or service vehicles for their livelihood.
A cooperative with 50 members can receive equipment worth P1 million, Trayvilla said.