152 ecozone workers retrenched

At least 152 ecozone workers in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu were displaced after they were retrenched.

Kim Francisco, head of the City Public Employment Service Office (PESO), told media the retrenched workers came from a watch company at the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ).

Francisco said the company has been experiencing fluctuations in orders from abroad.

The firm implemented a redundancy program almost monthly, downsizing their workforce when incoming orders fall short of projections.

“This is a good and stable company. They are one of the pioneering companies in MEZ. However, there are times they need to reduce their workforce, as the incoming orders do not match the required manpower,” Francisco said.

He bared in 2024, there were workers already retrenched but the company only reported it this year.

Peso will assist the 152 laid-off workers to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for financial assistance and to the Department of Labor and Employment for livelihood support.

On 13 April, over 120 employees from the economic zone had lost their jobs as two companies’ shutdown and another downsized.

A semiconductor manufacturer downsized its operations by 51 employees due to reduced order volumes.

There was a closure of a renewable energy firm and a Japanese-owned fashion accessories manufacturer also laid off 55 and 20 employees, respectively.