PROFESSIONAL athletes will now be among the individuals who will be entitled to assistance from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
In a statement after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the DOLE is prepared to provide the necessary assistance to professional athletes, especially those retired or injured.
“This partnership will be an instrument that we can use to address the needs and welfare of our athletes and workers in the sports industry,” said Laguesma.
“The MOU we signed will strengthen our collaboration with GAB in providing protection and security among the workers in the sports industry,” he added.
Based on the MOU, all professional athletes, particularly those retired or injured, as well as those undergoing mandatory rest periods, will be eligible to avail of the livelihood opportunities or emergency employment program of DOLE.
Employment facilitation programs, such as public employment services, national skills registration program, and dissemination of timely, relevant and accurate labor market information will also be made available to athletes by DOLE.
