DOLE to extend P32-M aid for Cagayan, Batanes residents affected by 'Nando'
By Trixee Rosel
Houses in Calayan, Cagayan, lie in ruins following the landfall of tropical depression “Nando.” (Photo courtesy of MDRRMO)
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will extend P32 million in emergency employment assistance to residents of Cagayan and Batanes whose livelihoods were affected by tropical depression “Nando.
”The assistance will be implemented through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, benefiting 5,750 individuals from 13 coastal towns in Cagayan and six municipalities in Batanes.
In Cagayan, Calayan will receive the largest allocation with 1,500 beneficiaries, followed by Aparri, Claveria, and Gonzaga with 350 workers each.
The towns of Abulug, Ballesteros, Buguey, Camalaniugan, Pamplona, Santa Ana, Santa Teresita, Sanchez Mira, and Santa Praxedes will each have 300 beneficiaries.
In Batanes, Basco is set for 200 beneficiaries, Ivana for 70, while Mahatao, Sabtang, and Uyugan will each have 60, and Itbayat will receive 50.
Set for implementation this month, the program will provide 15 days of short-term community work—including clearing operations, repair, and rehabilitation—to help restore damaged areas and provide immediate income to affected workers.
The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive for government agencies to sustain relief and rehabilitation efforts in areas affected by the Sept. 22 landfall of “Nando” in Calayan, which caused significant agricultural and livelihood losses.
DOLE Regional Director Jesus Elpidio Atal Jr. said preparations are underway for a second tranche to cover more displaced workers.
“We will ensure that TUPAD reaches the most affected families as quickly as possible,” Atal said.
The department continues to profile and assess workers in affected areas to identify additional interventions and ensure the prompt delivery of its programs and services.