19,892 oil spill victims to receive assistance

MANILA, Philippines — Close to 20,000 residents of Oriental Mindoro displaced by an oil spill from the sunken M/V Princess Empress will receive emergency employment and other assistance from the government.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it has signed an agreement with other government agencies for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced workers or TUPAD.

“While the DOLE provides temporary aid to displaced workers under the TUPAD program, the agency still strives to bring more sustainable and inclusive assistance to affected individuals and families,” Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said yesterday.

Under the agreement, 19,892 victims of the oil spill in several areas in Oriental Mindoro will receive P110 million worth of emergency employment and livelihood assistance.

The Department of Tourism will conduct capacity development training programs for qualified workers in different areas of tourism such as culinary or food, farm, micro retail, and health and wellness tourism.

The local government will serve as coordinator to ensure systematic coverage of affected workers and smooth implementation of the project.

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will set up a training center in Lipa, Batangas for the worker-beneficiaries.

The training center aims to deliver sustainable and demand-driven programs and produce 1,200 graduates annually who will work in various industries in the region.