The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will roll out a cash-for-work (CFW) program to assist oil spill-affected residents in Oriental Mindoro, Antique, and Palawan.
According to DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, he received reports that the oil spill that previously affected some communities in Oriental Mindoro has also affected some parts of Antique and Palawan, and now also needs government assistance.
Some of the residents of Bansud, Bongabong, Bulalacao, Gloria, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Pola and Roxas in Oriental Mindoro; Caluya, Antique; and Agutaya in Palawan will be given a temporary means of livelihood through CFW.
“So, these two areas, Antique and Palawan, we are now working hard on making sure that those who live there have something to eat, whether they are given food packs or emergency cash transfers,” Gatchalian said.
The DSWD chief also announced that the CFW program will be launched this week and will last for about 15 days, depending on the consultation with the DENR on their identified work menu for this program.
The wages of the beneficiaries of the program will be based on the current regional daily minimum wage rate.
Aside from the CFW assistance, the DSWD also plans to implement another program as an emergency cash transfer to affected residents in Caluya, Antique and Agutaya, Palawan.
“We had an agreement with the DENR, the local government, the provincial government, and by the instructions of our President (Marcos), we need to make sure that our locals, the fisher folks who are affected, will be part of the solution,” Gatchalian said.
As of March 7, the DSWD has already provided at least P3.1 million worth of food assistance to the affected townsfolk in Oriental Mindoro and Antique.
The DSWD vowed to continue to coordinate with the concerned agencies and localities to ensure that it adequately met the needs of the residents affected by the oil spill.