Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque yesterday handed over a total of P1 million in financial grants to six mayors of Cebu province as part of the department’s Emergency Employment Assistance for Victims of Typhoon Frank.
In a simple ceremony held at the Crown Regency Residences at barangay Guadalupe in Cebu City, Roque said the amount will help the local government units (LGUs) in financing rehabilitation projects in their constituencies, with the help of non-government organizations.
The labor chief said the financial assistance will be used for the temporary employment of workers displaced by Typhoon Frank particularly in the repairs of schools, bridges, roads, and other infrastructures in the six LGUs.
The recipient cities and municipalities, and the corresponding amount given are: Daanbantayan (P240,000 through Mayor Sun Shimura), Medellin (P240,000 through Mayor Ricardo Ramirez), Talisay City (P190,000 through Mayor Socrates Fernandez), Madridejos (P140,000 through Mayor Salvador Dela Fuente), Bogo City (P100,000 through Mayor Celestino Martinez, Jr.), and San Remigio (P90,000 through Mayor Mariano Martinez).
Roque said that, aside from the financial grants, the affected municipalities and cities will also be provided with livelihood and skills training programs, among other programs that the DOLE will be carrying out to augment the workers’ income.
He then cited the strong partnership between the DOLE and the LGUs in addressing immediately the plight of workers affected by the recent typhoon. — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/RAE