P386.6 Million Aid Released for Flood-Hit Workers in Central Luzon

MANILA, Philippines — Emergency employment and livelihood assistance amounting to P386.6 million has been released for 49,879 workers affected by flooding in Central Luzon. The Department of Labor and Employment said the assistance is being distributed through DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers or TUPAD, and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). Of the amount, P357.85 million was allocated for 48,667 beneficiaries in Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Tarlac. The rest or P28.79 million will go to 1,212 beneficiaries of the DILP, also known as the DOLE Kabuhayan Program. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said the programs will provide immediate financial support while helping calamity-affected workers rebuild sustainable sources of income. Under the program, beneficiaries are given temporary employment while taking part in community-based services including cleanup activities in flood-affected areas. The assistance covers various stages of implementation including beneficiary orientation and enrollment, work activities, payment processing and payouts. Natural disasters, exacerbated by climate change, are becoming increasingly frequent in the Philippines, disproportionately affecting low-income and vulnerable workers. This aid is a crucial measure aimed at facilitating prompt recovery and stabilizing the livelihoods of those impacted.