57 The right to social security of the workers in the informal economy/ sector big increase in the number of car, taxi, and van drivers from 3.71 percent to 4.26 percent, the data do not show employment of jeepney and pedicab drivers and/operators as this sector of the transportation industry was likewise largely affected. These figures nevertheless settle the assertion that the COVID-19 pandemic has significant adverse consequences on the livelihood of the WIES. 7. The data show that a significant number of participants specified that cisgender males earn income in the household while 38 percent said that cisgender females do. Some participants claimed that persons with diverse SOGIESC in their household also earn an income. While the entry of women and SOGIESC workers into the informal economy has propelled an increase in their participation in the labor market, it can be inferred from the FGDs that men still have a higher labor force participation. 8. Care and domestic work, as presented in the FGDs, are the main drivers for women to engage in informal and home-based work. This supports the narratives that the traditionally assigned roles of women on childcare, reproductive, and household work leave them little to no choice but to undertake low-paying jobs or home-based work so they can attend to these care responsibilities, and often at the expense of social security coverage. The disproportionate burden on women has hindered their ability to take upon formal employment, have decent wages, and access contributory social security systems for retirement plans, paid maternity leave, or unemployment insurance. a. Social security programs should be responsive to the specific needs of women. The unequal burden of household and care work of women demands noncontributory social security schemes or targeted social assistance schemes to cover the loss or lack of earnings due to their inability to obtain or maintain decent employment. This should include paid maternity leave, perinatal, childbirth and postnatal care, care in the hospital, where necessary and old-age benefits. 9. The Universal Health Care Act is commendable and seen as a progressive step towards ensuring universal coverage for social protection, without discrimination. a. Ensure timely and responsive coverage on healthcare services as well accessibility of facilities and services. 10. The DOLE DILEEP and TUPAD programs are recognized with appreciation as it seeks to grant assistance for capacity-building on livelihood and entrepreneurial ventures for