Tomorrow, we will observe Labor Day as we grapple with the Covid pandemic.

But offhand, in order to prepare our workers for the “new normal,” we are issuing a joint guidelines with the Department of Trade and Industry for the workplace protection and prevention from Covid 19.

Also, we are deep into the details of a recovery plan post-Covid for the generation of a fresh one million jobs in the provinces for our workers in the coming months. This is part of a package that also includes a three-month wage subsidy to workers in micro and small scale enterprises, including those in the “gig” economy and members of the mass media.

Since the recovery plan is anchored on the concept of “balik-probinsya,” we will continue and enhance the implementation of the labor department’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program for the next three months to employ “returnees” and those in the barangays.

This much we can offer our Filipino workers in the interim as we trek the road to recovery

SILVESTRE H. BELLO III

Secretary