The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided livelihood assistance worth P257 million to workers who lost their jobs due to an oil spill that hit Oriental Mindoro last year.
In a statement, the DOLE said it has extended emergency employment assistance to around 62,000 workers in Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas.
“From March to December 2023, the DOLE provided temporary employment to 61,929 workers, mostly fisherfolk, through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers or TUPAD program,” it said.
More than P3 million worth of livelihood aid was also offered to 210 workers in the three regions under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.
In Mimaropa, 57,067 workers earned salaries amounting to P220.5 million under the TUPAD program.
In Pola town, 110 workers received livelihood assistance worth P1 million.
At least 2,063 workers in Antique were provided temporary employment and received a salary of P17.8 million.
Up to 100 workers in Barangays Semirara, Sibolo, Tinogboc, and Sibato in Caluya received livelihood aid amounting to P2.020 million, while 2,034 workers in Isla Verde and Tingloy in Batangas received salaries amounting to P10.2 million.
In collaboration with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the DOLE has delivered skills training to 765 displaced workers in Oriental Mindoro.
A sum of P5.6 million was designated to fund the stipends of individuals who participated in training programs for small engine repair, organic farming, carpentry, masonry, motor vehicle driving, and other related skills.