More than 200 workers at a frozen seafood factory in the Mactan Economic Processing Zone (Mepz) 1 have lost their jobs after operations were halted due to regulatory compliance issues, according to the Public Employment Service Office (Peso).
Details of the Layoffs
Kim Francisco of Peso informed SunStar Cebu that the displaced workers were employed by four manpower agencies assigned to a locator in Mepz 1 that produces frozen seafood products. As of Tuesday, May 27, 2026, 65 of the 222 affected workers had registered with their office to seek assistance.
One of the laid-off workers, a 52-year-old solo parent identified as “Liz,” said that she and her colleagues were informed during their break time on May 16 that they would no longer be allowed to return to work. Liz, who had worked as a production worker for the company for two years, said the workers were shocked because they received no formal notice before the termination of their services.
“We are asking for help on what our rights are since they pulled us out and what will happen to us now that we have no jobs. It’s okay for the young ones, but for us older workers, there is little chance of transferring to another company,” Liz said.
Reason for the Closure
Based on accounts from affected workers, Francisco noted that the company’s crabmeat products allegedly failed to meet regulatory standards, leading to the immediate removal of all agency workers assigned to the production line. He said that the workers’ last day on the job was May 16.
Government Response
In response, Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” Chan, through the City Social Welfare and Development Office, plans to distribute five kilograms of rice each as assistance to affected residents of Lapu-Lapu City.
