The Department of Labor and Employment said on Sunday it is considering possible livelihood assistance as immediate intervention to workers who may be displaced in case the use of firecrackers is finally regulated or banned.
Labor Undersecretary Joel Maglunsod said the regulation on firecracker’s use will have a negative impact on the livelihood of those who have been relying on its production.
Maglunsod said the livelihood assistance they will offer will be designed to fit the skills or inclinations of the workers who may be displaced.
Maglunsod made the statement in anticipation of the expected signing by President Rodrigo Duterte in November of an executive order drafted by the Department of Health aiming to limit the use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices in the country.
Earlier, Duterte said he will consult his Cabinet members whether or not the government needs to impose a nationwide firecracker ban this year.
“I’m going to have the Cabinet meeting. I will allow a full economic review because this will also result in loss of jobs,” the President said.
During the campaign, Duterte vowed to ban firecrackers nationwide to keep Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations safe for all Filipinos just as he did in Davao City when he was still the mayor.