MANILA, Philippines – Personnel of higher education institutions (HEIs) who lost their jobs because of the implementation of the K to 12 program can receive higher financial assistance from the government.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) issued Department Order 177, which superseded DO 152-16 or the Guidelines in the Implementation of K to 12 DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (AMP).

The order that will take effect on Monday, October 16, makes government aid more accessible to the displaced workers. 

A total of 3,229 HEI workers suffered unemployment when the K to 12 program started, since it required students to spend two additional years in high school. (READ: K to 12 under Duterte administration faces new challenges) 

Beneficiaries are entitled to one of the following financial grants, whichever is the higher value:  

• P10,000 
• 75% of the applicant’s last monthly gross salary 
• prevailing median salary of the HEI

This aid will be given monthly for 3 to 6 months depending on the displacement status of the worker. 

The program also now covers workers who availed of early retirement, voluntary separation, and those whose contracts were not renewed or are under suspension. It will also cover those who were displaced from May 30, 2014 up until the end of academic year 2021-2022. 

To apply, HEI workers should submit the following requirements to the DOLE Regional or Field Office “not later than one year from the date of displacement”: 

• duly accomplished K to 12 DOLE AMP application form 
• certificate of displacement or a copy of complaint duly received by the National Labor Relations Commission if the applicant has filed a case 
• certificate of employment and compensation 
• any government-issued ID  

HEI workers who were displaced prior to the issuance of this new order will be given one year to apply. 

Applications are processed by DOLE within 3 working days from receipt. Those with complete requirements will be oriented on the program and the procedures to avail of the benefits. 

DOLE said the order is retroactive so those who have received their benefits prior to DO 177 will receive differential cash grants.

Here’s a copy of DO 177: 

    DO 177-17 Expanding DOLE Adjustment Measures Program for Displaced Higher Education Institution Personnel D… by Patty Pasion on Scribd

– Rappler.com