Davao City to focus next food aid to workers of closed biz firms

The Davao City government will prioritize the fourth round of the food ration for the affected workers of business establishments that are not yet allowed to operate under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

Mayor Inday Sara Duterte already instructed the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to prioritize the workers of the still closed establishments for the fourth round of the food ration. These establishments are the last to re-open for the next level of quarantine measure.

“Pagkahuman nato sa third round, and pwede na nato sugdan karon is mag focus didto sa mga establishment nga dili pwede mag open during a GCQ para mahatagan ug assistance kini sila. Because mao ni sila ang pinakalast nga mangabli and dili pa ni sila pwede magtrabaho (after the third round of the food ration we will start the food assistance to the workers of the establishments that are not allowed to open yet during the GCQ because they will be the last to re-open),” Mayor Inday said.

These establishments that are last to re-open are those listed under Category IV of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Memorandum Circular No. 20-22 – 1) gym/fitness studios and sports facilities; 2) entertainment industries such as but not limited to cinemas and theaters, karaoke bars, comedy bars, pubs, nightclubs, beer houses, etc.; 3) kid amusement industries such as but not limited to toy stores, playgrounds, playrooms and rides; 4) libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural centers, art galleries, botanical and zoological gardens; 5) tourist destinations such as but not limited to water parks, beaches, resorts except those used as a quarantine facility; 6) travel agencies, tour operators, reservation service and related activities; 7) gambling and betting such as but not limited to cockfighting, casinos and the like; 8) personal care services such as massage parlors, sauna bath establishments, facial care, foot spa, and waxing salons; and, 9) any other amusement, leisure, gaming, and tourism establishments that promote mass gathering.

Aside from the establishments listed under the DTI Memorandum, Mayor Inday said the displaced vendors, masseuse, and manicurists previously working in Osmeña Park and Roxas Night Market will also be prioritized.

Mayor Inday advised establishment owners to submit a letter of intent to the city government with details of their employees so they will be listed as priority beneficiaries.

“Employers should reach out to the CSWDO by writing a letter. They may also drop their letters at the Davao City Recreation Center (Almendras Gym),” the mayor said.

The CSWDO is currently on its third round of ration distribution and has already released a total of 1,147,979 grocery packs. CIO