The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allocated P40.48 million in emergency employment aid for workers affected by Typhoon ‘Uwan’ in Cagayan Valley.
In a statement on Monday, DOLE-Region II said the amount will fund the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program for more than 7,000 beneficiaries whose jobs or livelihoods were disrupted by the typhoon.
TUPAD is a short-term emergency employment program that provides temporary income relief to workers affected by disasters, economic shocks, or displacement.
Under the scheme, beneficiaries will be deployed for 10 to 20 days of community-based work, including clearing debris, removing fallen trees, conducting minor repairs, and assisting in other early recovery activities in their localities.
They will also be paid based on the highest prevailing minimum wage in the region.
According to DOLE-Region II Director Jesus Elpidio B. Atal Jr., the regional office is prioritizing assistance for workers whose incomes were interrupted by Uwan.
He said emergency employment continues to be one of the agency’s fastest interventions during calamities.
Provincial offices have been directed to coordinate with local government units to profile affected workers, validate lists, conduct orientations, and ensure the timely payout of wages.
Beneficiaries are expected to begin their assignments once these preparatory steps are completed.
Most recent data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that nearly 1.40 million residents in Cagayan Valley were affected by Typhoon Uwan.
A total of 124 cities and municipalities in the region also suspended work as the storm swept through Northern Luzon.