The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has distributed a total of P6.125 million worth of emergency employment aid to support 1,178 Cavite residents who were affected by the fishing ban as a result of the oil spill due to the sinking of Mt Terranova oil spill.
DOLE Regional Director lawyer Roy L. Buenafe said the funds released to Tanza, Cavite residents were allocated under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) cash-for-work program.
Buenafe directed the prompt implementation of TUPAD to offer immediate relief to fisherfolk whose livelihoods had been severely disrupted by the spill.
Meanwhile, in Laguna, 79 beneficiaries from Biñan and San Pedro received TUPAD orientation on Aug. 6, with payments scheduled for August 12.
In Rizal, orientations took place in San Mateo, Montalban, Cainta, and Tanay from July 30 to Aug. 7.
Buenafe noted that assessments were ongoing in other coastal areas, including Bacoor, Rosario, Noveleta, Kawit, Maragondon, and Ternate, to identify additional needs.
The next TUPAD payout was planned for Aug. 9 in Naic, he said.
The oil spill occurred on July 25 when the MT Terra Nova sank off Limay, Bataan, releasing 1.4 million liters of industrial fuel oil.