In Cebu, displaced workers to receive coupons to start small businesses

The Province of Cebu has partnered with the Department of Trade and Industry in Central Visayas to distribute financial assistance to help displaced workers in Cebu start their own businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

Residents belonging to the “lowest 20% income group” who lost their livelihood due to the coronavirus pandemic will receive coupons worth P5,000 to P10,000. These coupons will serve as capital and can be exchanged for goods to help start their own small businesses.

In a report posted on Sugbo News, the official news site of the Capitol Public Information Office, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said the program will have a total of 80,000 target beneficiaries from the province’s 7 congressional districts.

The project will be funded with P100 million: P85 from all 17 of the provincial board members and P15 million from the Office of the Vice Governor.

DTI in Region 7 will screen applicants starting September 8. The application period will run until the second week of October while distribution is targeted to take place in the 3rd week of October.

Cebu Province is under modified general community quarantine and most non-essential businesses, including tourism activities, started operating again. 

According to data from the Department of Health in Central Visayas, the total number of coronavirus cases in Cebu province has reached 2,465 as of August 22, with active cases currently at 687.

The province’s number of recoveries also reached 1,648 – Rappler.com