Government introduces measures to assist Filipinos affected by crisis

Manila: The government has come up with a host of measures aimed at shielding Filipinos from the economic downturn sweeping the globe.

With thousands of Filipinos expected to lose their jobs, both at home and overseas, policy makers deliberated on a number of immediate solutions including a website bulletin advertising job vacancies.

Labour Secretary Marianito Roque, in a statement, advised the jobless to log on the Department of Labour and Employment's Phil-Jobnet website. The site provides round the clock and convenient service.

"The strategy seeks to reinforce the department's efforts to preserve and sustain job opportunities amid global crisis cooperation with social partners," he said.

Displaced overseas workers had been advised by the government to make use of free services and programmes that are geared at assisting them.

These include livelihood support, counselling and guidance.

According to reports, some 40,000 Filipinos have already lost jobs or are about to get laid off as the country reels from the effects of the global crisis.

Some manufacturing business are being forced close shop or adopt drastic steps such adopting shorter working hours for employees.