DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive and Sustainable Peace Alan Tanjusay, with Assistant Secretary for Visayas Affairs Ma. Evelyn Macapobre, Field Office 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, and Assistant Regional Director for Operations Juanito Cantero, lead the distribution of financial assistance and family food packs to the retrenched workers of Sports City, Inc. on October 3–4, 2022.

True to its mandate of helping the Filipino people, including those in crisis due to unforeseen circumstances, DSWD Field Office 7 has given assistance to 3,774 out of the 4,203 retrenched workforce.

3,729 of these workers received cash assistance and a family food pack (FFP), while 45 others who received a substantial amount of separation pay were only given FFPs.

In total, Field Office 7 has released PHP 18,122,680.00 worth of assistance.

During the payout, DSWD Field Office 7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero emphasized the Department’s mantra, “Bawat Buhay Mahalaga sa DSWD,” through the provision of assistance.

“Pinaagi sa financial assistance ug family food pack nga gihatag sa DSWD ngadto sa mga na-retrenched na workers, dali nga natubag sa gobyerno ang ilang krisis nga nahaaguman. Sa DSWD, Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga (Through the financial assistance and family food pack that DSWD provided to the retrenched workers, the government immediately responded to the crisis they are into. Here in DSWD, every life matters),” Director Lucero said.

In his message to the media and beneficiaries, USec. Tanjusay expressed his gratitude to key personnel and sectors involved in the fast and well-coordinated action. He reiterated the instruction of the President and the Secretary to immediately help the workers.

“Today, we have witnessed the convergence and collaboration between DSWD and Lapu-Lapu City in the distribution of assistance. I would like to commend LGU workers, social workers, as well as the leadership of the DSWD Region 7 for providing assistance to our displaced workers,” USec. Tanjusay said.

Prior to the payout schedule on October 4, Dir. Lucero and USec. Tanjusay, together with the representatives of the Local Government Unit of Lapu-Lapu City, offices of the congressional representatives, and other offices, conducted a Multi-stakeholders Meeting on the Retrenchment of more than 4,000 workers of Sports City Incorporated, located at the Mactan Economic Zone (formerly Mactan Export Processing Zone).

The downsizing of manpower is part of their retrenchment program, which aims to keep their business afloat and continue the employment of 75 percent of their total workforce, which is more than 18,000. Accordingly, the affected workers received separation pay in accordance with the law.

The Lapu-Lapu City Council also approved in mass motion during its Fifth Special Session on September 30, 2022, Resolution No. 16-0496-2022, requesting from DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo, through DSWD FO7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero, for assistance to be given to the retrenched workers.  ###

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