24 2020 Annual Report on the Human Rights Situation in the Philippines 58 In the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), for instance, the NEDA-CAR reported that various sectors in the region incurred more than ₱15.6 billion losses with the implementation of the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to contain the spread of the COVID19.104 59 In its advisory on the human rights of workers, the CHR notes that the health crisis escalates rapidly and continues to take its toll in many countries. It poses serious threats to the global economy and puts immense pressure on businesses, jobs, and livelihoods and the pandemic likewise exacerbates already existing inequalities. Those working in the informal economy face higher exposure to health and safety risks in addition to the reduction of their economic activities and earnings with no income replacement solution. CHR also lays down its proposals and recommendations to protect and promote the human rights of our workers in times of the pandemic.105 Right of Migrant Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic 60 At least 4,000 OFWs were stranded after the Philippine Red Cross stopped conducting the COVID-19 tests for the government due to unpaid 930 million PhP debt by the PhilHealth.106 61 About 204,481 OFWs affected by COVID-19 were repatriated by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as of the end of September. Sea-based overseas Filipino comprised 33.98%, or a total of 69,477, while land-based Filipino workers totaled 135,004 or 66.02%. With the help of various foreign service posts and Filipino communities abroad, the DFA was also able to repatriate stranded overseas Filipinos from remote locations.107 As displaced Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) continue to soar past 600,000, DOLE has assisted 237,778 OFWs amounting to PHP2,436,000,000.00. Additional funding of PHP5,000,000,000.00 was ordered released by the President for the continuous repatriation and assistance to other OFWs. Meanwhile, a total of 146,658 returning OFWs have been transported to their home provinces as of 15 August 2020. Aside from transportation, the OFWs were provided with hotel accommodation and other assistance while waiting for their test results.108 104 (2020). Regional Human Rights Situation Report January 2020 to June 2020. Baguio City: Cordillera Administrative Region Office. 105 See CHR (V) A2020-010. 106 Patinio, F. (2020 October 20). Stranded OFWs due to unpaid debt of Philhealth to Philippine Red Cross. Philippine News Agency. Available at https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1119134. 107 Department of Foreign Affairs, available at https://www.dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/dfa-releasesupdate/27837-dfa-repatriates200k-overseas-filipinos-as-september-ends, accessed 5 October 2020. 108 Department of Labor and Employment, Displaced OFWs soar past 600k, August 16, 2020 available at https://www.dole.