Libreng Gupit Laban COVID

The City Government of Kidapawan initiaited the Libreng Gupit Laban COVID program to address two concerns during the City-wide community quarantine: barbers and beauty parlor workers who lost their main source of livelihood due to the closure of barbershops and salons, and people’s constant visits in public places to find establishments that provide haircuts.

The program aims to give barbers and beauty parlor workers the opportunity to earn during the communty quarantine, and help people save from unnecessary spending while limiting their exposure in public places.

The City Government recognized that a decent haircut equates to a good sense of well-being. Considering the anxiety and internal tension felt by the people during the community quarantine, the program gave them the needed feeling of self-importance and dignity. Haircuts were given for free with due priority to frontline workers, senior citizens, and minors. At least 6,000 individuals from all 40 barangays of Kidapawan City benefitted in the program. Meanwhile, barbers and parlor workers were paid Php 800.00 per day for 10 days for their services rendered regardless of the number of clients served. Strict disinfection measures were observed during the haircut, and the workers were required to wear face shields and facemasks during the conduct of the activity. A waiting area was also established to ensure physical distancing.