CEBU CITY, Philippines — Families of workers impacted by the tragic collapse at the Binaliw landfill are set to receive comprehensive financial and support assistance from government agencies, according to officials involved in the response.
Coordination for Employee Benefits
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is working closely with the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), the Social Security System (SSS), and the landfill operator, Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. (PIWSI), to expedite aid delivery. This effort aims to cover funeral expenses, death benefits, and other immediate needs for the affected workers and their loved ones.
Under the SSS program, beneficiaries of deceased workers with 1 to 36 months of contributions qualify for a ₱12,000 funeral benefit, while those with over 36 months may receive between ₱20,000 and ₱60,000. Death benefits vary by employment duration: a lump-sum payment for less than three years of service, or a monthly pension for longer tenures.
Employees’ Compensation Support
All eligible families will automatically receive a ₱30,000 funeral benefit through the Employees’ Compensation program, irrespective of contribution history or employment length. For death benefits, workers with under three years of service entitle beneficiaries to a ₱2,000 monthly pension. Those with more than three years receive the SSS pension plus an additional 15 percent enhancement.
Injured workers are also entitled to claims processing on a priority basis. PIWSI has pledged to cover funeral, burial, medical expenses, and full January salaries for affected employees, even amid suspended operations.
Additional Humanitarian Aid
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas has distributed ₱10,000 in cash assistance to select families under its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, along with family food packs, ready-to-eat meals, and temporary tents. Psychosocial support is being provided to help families cope with the emotional toll of the incident.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed solidarity, assuring ongoing government measures for safety, transparency, accountability, and compassionate aid. As of recent updates, the death toll stands at 36, with 18 injuries and 11 individuals still missing, while search and retrieval operations continue.
Investigations and Worker Protections
DOLE is assessing potential violations of safety standards and environmental regulations, with a cease-and-desist order issued against PIWSI. Affected workers, currently on floating status, are receiving assistance to find temporary employment through public employment service offices in nearby cities.
