Manila, May 16 -- The Department of Labor and Employment on Wednesday said the agency is ready to assist around 500 employees of Sofitel Hotel in Pasay City who will be affected by its closure on July 1.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the agency has standby programs that could help those employees who will be displaced by the shutdown.

Laguesma said the department could guide them on employment facilitation, referrals and secure livelihood assistance.

"Nakaantabay ang mga programa ng Department of Labor and Employment may kinalaman doon sa tinatawag na employment facilitation, referral, pagbibigay ng gabay kung nais ng mga maapektuhang empleyado na magkaroon ng tinatawag na livelihood programs at tsaka karagdagang pagsasanay ...