MANILA, Philippines — Bicol residents displaced by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine will be given emergency employment and other assistance, according to the Department of Labor and Employment.
DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the agency has identified an initial 83,000 beneficiaries for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD program.
Laguesma said most of the beneficiaries would be tasked to perform cleaning and clearing, not only of public roads, but also of areas surrounding their own homes.
He said even before Kristine entered the Philippine area of responsibility, he had ordered all DOLE regional chiefs to monitor the situation in their jurisdictions.
DOLE regional chiefs in typhoon-affected areas are working with local government units in identifying beneficiaries of TUPAD.
Laguesma said DOLE’s personnel are working even on weekends to provide typhoon victims appropriate assistance.
Beneficiaries of TUPAD in Metro Manila are packing relief goods in warehouses of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.