Some 170,000 Filipinos are expected to find jobs with the shift to Alert Level 1 in Metro Manila and other areas, the Philippines' socioeconomic planning chief said Tuesday as millions experience the loosest set of COVID-19 restrictions in two years.
With all businesses allowed to operate at full capacity under Alert Level 1, the country stands to gain P9.4 billion more in economic activity per week according to Socioeconomic Planning Sec. Karl Chua.
The easing of restrictions benefits 20.3 million workers, with the additional economic activity estimated to add P3 billion more in salaries for workers per week, he added.
"Ibig sabihin itong mga manggagawa ay mas makakapagtrabaho na at pwede na kumita ng mas malaki," Chua said.
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The government is encouraging employees to work on-site under Alert Level 1 to boost economic activity and recover trillions of losses during lockdowns since 2020.
Should the whole Philippines shift to Alert Level 1, some 297,000 more Filipinos are expected to find employment with the further easing according to Chua.
The easing is expected to generate P5.2 billion more in salaries per week too, he said.
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