DOLE prepares P160M for emergency employment in Uwan-hit Bicol
- Bicolmail Web Admin
- Nov 15
- 2 min read
By Connie Calipay
LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Labor and Employment in Bicol (DOLE-5) has started finalizing arrangements for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
The initiative aims to assist residents of Camarines Norte and Catanduanes affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (international name Fung-wong).
Imelda Gatinao, DOLE-5 regional director, said over PHP160 million has been allocated for emergency employment in the two provinces.
"We are here to demonstrate the government's support. We recognize that the DOLE program is intended for the displaced. We have been monitoring the situation and have observed that Camarines Norte and Catanduanes were hit particularly hard. We already have plans for a bamboo planting project along the rivers in Camarines Norte, and we will submit justifications that this will also assist in clearing operations," she said in an interview on Tuesday.
Gatinao added that PHP 30 million has been allocated for implementation in Camarines Norte, with an additional PHP 40 million set aside for profiling. Meanwhile, PHP 60 million has been designated for the program in Catanduanes.
"The moment we issue the notice to proceed, we will register the beneficiaries and provide personal protective equipment by Friday. Hopefully, they can start on Monday, and they will receive their payout ten days afterward," she added.
Gatinao also plans to visit Catanduanes to assure Governor Patrick Azanza of the agency's support for the program's rollout.
She said that the agency will continue to assess the program's implementation through December.
"Aside from the two provinces, we also have for the other provinces, we are still assessing and continue to coordinate with our provincial offices," she added. (PNA)
Comments