IN THE wake of the weather disturbances that hit the country, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is now preparing to provide assistance to workers who have been adversely affected.
In a phone interview, Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said they are readying the provision of emergency employment assistance to displaced workers under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program.
"We expect the list of affected individuals, who are qualified to be Tupad beneficiaries, to be submitted at the latest early next week so they can be immediately profiled and be able to start working soonest," said Laguesma.
As of the moment, he said DOLE has been assisting the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) by providing Tupad personnel for the repacking of relief goods.
He said Tupad workers are also assisting the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in the declogging and cleaning of canals and drainages.
"Even when the weather conditions are not good, the DOLE regional offices have been instructed to start helping," said Laguesma.
He said at least P1 billion has been set aside by the DOLE for the provision of aid to displaced workers.
The labor chief said the public funds will finance the payment of worker-beneficiaries of Tupad.
"Considering the nationwide effects of the ongoing severe weather disturbances and number of families affected, around P1 billion of downloaded funds to the regional offices are earmarked for this purpose," said Laguesma.
Data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) shows that a total of 4,679,046 people or 1,295,808 families were affected by the calamities. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)