Lending and credit support of business sectors, particularly MSMEs. (i.e. SB Corporation’s P3) including support to farmers and fisher folks (i.e. DA’s SURE Assistance Program) will be provided. Appropriate actions for loan restructuring will be implemented alongside the provision of grants and loan facilities for LGUs to support funding of their PPAs. Insurance coverages to all stakeholders will be enhanced and lending programs for government employees will be strengthened. In terms of tourism stakeholders, DOT will ensure to provide the immediate needs of tourists and stakeholders during pandemic and to provide market incentives and support for businesses and destinations to access domestic and international tourists Provide appropriate and adequate employment assistance to pandemic and crises-affected workforce. Based on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessary measures to assist employment should be pursued in the region. This includes the provision of cash-forwork programs (i.e. DOLE’s TUPAD), capacity building and livelihood programs to be provided by DOT, DTI and DSWD to affected workforce. Skills retooling training programs for displaced workers and other skills enhancement programs for workers will be implemented. Recruitment activities such as job fairs and other job search or placement activities will be conducted by DOLE in cooperation with DTI, DOT, DOST and LGUs. It is also high time that government should formulate necessary policies and programs to implement a Government Internship Program to motivate displaced workers and the unemployed /underemployed individuals to apply for jobs in government offices. The internship program will help prepare the person with the necessary skills and knowledge in order to get a permanent job. Policy and Legislative Reforms The following are the policy and legislative reforms for Industry and Service sector of the region: Region-Specific Policy and Legislative Reforms
1. Requirement of an Economic and Financial Resiliency Plan (EFRP) for MSMEs applying or renewing their business permits. 2. Formulation of a Health Defense and Resiliency Plan (HDRP) for all local government units. 3. Adoption and utilization of digital technology such as Big Data Technology or other database system platforms among DTI, DOT, and DOST for easy collaboration and coordination.
Western Visayas COVID-19 Regional Recovery Plan Thematic Strategies to Mitigate Losses 96
