The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has disbursed P454.4 million in emergency wages to assist workers displaced by Tropical Storm "Kristine" in Bicol and Calabarzon regions.
In a statement, DOLE said the funds are being distributed under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, which provides temporary employment to those affected.
Running from Oct. 25 to November, the initiative focuses on community-based projects such as cleanup drives and community farming.
Of the total amount, P30 million has been allocated for 7,067 workers in Bicol, while P424.4 million is set aside for 72,741 workers in Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon).
Initial disbursements in Bicol included P3.2 million for 818 beneficiaries in Camalig, Albay; P948,000 for 240 in Lupi, Camarines Sur; and P979,600 for 248 in San Jose, Camarines Sur.
Additional payouts in the region comprised P3.03 million for 384 beneficiaries in San Fernando, Masbate, and P422,650 for 107 workers in San Miguel, Bato, and Virac, Catanduanes.
Another P16.8 million was distributed to 4,274 workers across seven areas in Albay. In Masbate City, 182 beneficiaries received P718,900, while P1.3 million went to 218 individuals in Catanduanes, and P2.6 million was provided to 596 workers in various Sorsogon towns.
In CALABARZON, Batangas received the largest share of P172 million for 29,729 workers, followed by Cavite with P87.5 million for 14,815 workers, and Laguna with P87 million for 14,617 workers.
Quezon province was granted P61.5 million to support 10,764 workers, while Rizal was allocated P16.4 million for 2,816 workers.
DOLE reiterated its commitment to offering immediate income opportunities to disadvantaged workers and supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of communities affected by the storm.