BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – Twenty-six Negrense laborers have sought the help of a labor advocate here for them to be repatriated or, at the very least, be given financial assistance after they have been stranded in the national capital since it was placed under lockdown mid March.
Neri Jay Bolivar, one of the eight Negros Occidental residents, told DNX they live in the cities of Sagay, Cadiz, Sipalay, and four are from Silay.
The 12 others are from Oriental while one is from Cebu.
They first sought the help of Ronald Ian Evidente, spokesperson of the Western Visayas Alliance of General Employees for Solidarity (WAGES), who in turn requested DNX to help the workers.
Lawyer Rayfrando Diaz, provincial adminiatrator, told DNX when sought for comment that Capitol cannot help the workers anymore since they cannot book flights for them to come home.
Bolivar said the company they work for, Marina Royal Pacific, had been subsidizing their food, giving them a tabo (small pail with ladle) of rice and one canned sardine every three days for every worker.
He said most of them used to work on site preparations but most of them are now doing welding jobs.
“It is not enough for our daily needs,” Bolivar said.
He added the food ration for each of them can only last for two days.
Evidente, in response to the workers, said WAGES has launched Oplan Rescue Obrero to gather money for the workers.
“Whatever amount we get we will send it to them,” Evidente said.
Those who want to contribute can send a private message to the Facebook profile Ronald Ian Dellomes Evidente or the WAGES Facebook page.
