Philippines Sees 71,700 Overseas Filipinos Displaced by June

(Bloomberg) -- The Philippines expects 45,000 overseas workers to return home in May and June, adding to the 26,700 that have already been repatriated after losing their jobs due to the pandemic.

Filipinos working abroad in cruise ships, hotels, restaurants and retail establishments have been the hardest hit, while the construction sector is starting to report some job losses, Overseas Workers Welfare administrator Hans Cacdac said in a live-streamed press briefing.

The agency is asking Congress for 2.5 billion pesos ($50 million) in additional funding as it shoulders the temporary shelter, food and transport of displaced overseas workers, who are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine and Covid-19 testing. “We need to preserve our budget for reintegration, reskilling and livelihood programs for the post-lockdown scenario,” Cacdac said.

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