THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it has mobilized P167.79 million in emergency assistance for communities affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao to reinforce the government’s relief and recovery efforts in the region.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino ordered on Wednesday DOLE regional offices to immediately extend assistance and livelihood interventions to affected residents in line with the whole-of-government response to the disaster by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
In Soccsksargen, DOLE Regional Office 12 has readied assistance packages for ceremonial turnover and payouts under its flagship emergency employment and livelihood programs.
The agency has prepared P125.27 million under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program to provide temporary employment opportunities for workers in General Santos City, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Cotabato province.
DOLE, likewise, allocated P42.53 million under the Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), also known as the Kabuhayan Program, to help affected communities restart income-generating activities and strengthen their economic resilience.
The livelihood assistance package is ready for release via checks distributed to accredited co-partners who will implement community-based livelihood projects.
To further expand recovery efforts, DOLE Regional Office 12 proposed an additional P413.64-million funding package to support more families and workers affected by the earthquake.
The proposed allocation includes P303.64 million for additional Tupad projects, P100 million for livelihood assistance under DILP and P10 million under the Adjustment Measures Program.
If approved, the expanded Tupad initiative will benefit 42,812 individuals through short-term employment activities that contribute directly to community rehabilitation and recovery.
The proposed projects include “Learn and Earn” skills training programs, digital and administrative support for disaster-related data processing and rehabilitation work on damaged homes, public facilities and community infrastructure.
Meanwhile, in Davao Region, DOLE launched a Clean Water Campaign for earthquake victims in Davao Occidental, distributing more than 15,000 bottles of mineral water. The agency, working closely with local government units, workers’ organizations, employers’ groups and members of the Regional and Industry Tripartite Industrial Peace Councils, said it will continue relief operations and ensure the swift delivery of assistance to affected communities as recovery efforts move forward.
