CALAMBA : The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 4-A (Calabarzon) has allocated PHP424.4 million for the beneficiaries of its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program across the region. DOLE 4-A Director, lawyer Roy L. Buenafe, stated that this funding aims to mitigate the adverse effects of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) on the provinces of Calabarzon, benefiting more than 72,000 affected individuals.
According to Philippines News Agency, the beneficiaries will engage in community clean-up, debris clearing, and rehabilitation of public infrastructure for a period of 10 days. They will be compensated at the highest prevailing minimum wage rate in the region. The initiative is targeted at providing income-earning opportunities for disadvantaged workers, contributing to community rehabilitation and recovery efforts.
The distribution of the allocated funds will be regionwide, with Batangas receiving the largest share of over PHP172 million, benefiti
ng more than 29,729 workers. Cavite and Laguna will each receive PHP87 million, supporting over 14,000 residents in each province. Quezon is allocated PHP61.46 million for 10,764 workers, while Rizal will receive PHP16.3 million for 2,816 disadvantaged workers.
Buenafe expressed hope that with the declaration of a state of calamity in parts of Calabarzon, this intervention would improve the resilience of affected workers and their communities.