MANILA, Philippines — The government is rolling out ₱110 million in emergency aid to support workers hit by the latest unrest of Mayon Volcano, with more than 20,000 Albay residents set to benefit.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) aims to provide immediate income opportunities while helping communities recover from heavy ashfall.
The move follows a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for a full-scale government response to the ongoing volcanic activity.
Undersecretary Benedicto Ernesto R. Bitonio, Jr., officer-in-charge of the Office of the Secretary, said that the DOLE Bicol Regional Office has activated its emergency employment program to quickly reach displaced and affected workers across Albay.
At the center of the response is the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), which offers short-term jobs and financial relief.
Through TUPAD, the labor department committed to continuously assisting disaster-affected workers toward recovery, livelihood restoration, and their continued progress.
The TUPAD program offers emergency employment for disadvantaged workers, enabling them to engage in community work for 10 to 30 days.
Regional Director Imelda F. Gatinao said the agency was fast-tracking the profiling of affected residents to ensure aid is delivered without delay.
