THE Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) granted the Municipal Government of Mariveles with P3 million financial assistance through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed Friday, March 20, 2020.

The MOA aims to alleviate the social and economic effects in the town due to the enhanced community quarantine.

AFAB Administrator Emmanuel Pineda said the enhanced community quarantine has posed threat to the livelihood of more than 40,000 FAB workers, most of which are residents of Mariveles.

“This is our way of showing our sincerity to help everyone, not only to stop the spread of the virus but to provide immediate response to those who need it, most especially the FAB workers who cannot go to work,” he said.

For her part, Mayor Jocelyn Castañeda said the financial assistance shall primarily be given to the severely affected members of the community, of which includes the FAB workers and other low-income earners displaced by the enhanced community quarantine.

As of March 19, about 97 FAB locators have already suspended operations in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Work in some business process outsourcing and export-oriented enterprises were allowed to operate given that they implement social distancing measures, arrange temporary accommodation for personnel, and create skeletal workforce. (PR)