DOLE aids earthquake victims in Northern Luzon with various programs and assistance.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has rolled out its aid programs for earthquake victims in Northern Luzon.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said that the action is in response to President Marcos Jr.’s call to all concerned state agencies to help the calamity-hit provinces, specifically in Region 1 and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR).
Laguesma said that he has allocated an initial P50 million for emergency employment in the two regions.
The epicenter of the magnitude 7 quake was in Abrabut struck the whole of Luzon Wednesday. The strong tremor destroyed properties worth billions which resulted in shop closures and job losses. The earthquake has also claimed four people’s lives and injured hundreds.
DOLE immediately took action and delivered assistance in Region 1 and CAR where the adverse impact was most felt. Laguesma also said that DOLE will start its rehabilitation program for those who lose their jobs in the recent tragedy.
“In particular, we are rolling out the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers program for the quake victims,” he added and noted that DOLE is an active member of the Rehabilitation and Recovery Cluster under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
DOLE is also eyeing to tap other recovery measures that include employment facilitation through the Public Employment Services Office (PESO) as an additional help for those who lost their jobs.
“The activity will include referral, placement, and the conduct of Special Risk Allowance (SRA) and job fairs in the region,” he added.
In Region 1, DOLE delivered assistance in Ilocos Sur and promised to help the other parts of the province soon. Using TUPAD, DOLE tapped 800 emergency workers to participate in cleaning, clearing, and recycling operations in Vigan City.
Laguesma said that similar operations are also happening in the towns of Lidlidda, Sugpon, Caoayan, San Emilio, Galimuyod, and Santa Cruz.
“They started working yesterday (July 28) to provide help to affected communities,” he said, adding that a total of P4,666,400.00 was allotted for the program. “Help is on the way to the other three provinces of Region 1 where TUPAD will also come into play,”
TUPAD is DOLE’s initial action to address the needs of the earthquake victims
“We shall tap other available programs very soon to help our needy countrymen,” Laguesma stated.
Tags: #DOLE, #Earthquake, #TUPAD, #Jobs