Manila: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is extending PHP386.6 million in livelihood and emergency employment assistance to 49,879 workers in Central Luzon affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon, also known as "habagat". Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino announced that the aid is part of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

According to Philippines News Agency, the DOLE initiative aims to provide immediate income support through temporary employment and to help workers rebuild sustainable sources of livelihood. The agency has allocated PHP357.85 million under the TUPAD program to offer emergency employment to 48,667 beneficiaries across Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac. The program includes temporary jobs related to community-based clean-up activities, with support provided through various stages such as orientation, enrollment, implementation, payment processing, and payout.

The DOLE is also facilitating the rebuilding of livelihoods through the DILP, benefiting 1,212 individuals in the region with PHP28.79 million in aid. This assistance covers projects like farming equipment, sari-sari stores with bigasan, food vending, fishing, livestock, processing, repair services, and other small enterprises.

Moreover, the DOLE Regional Office III is seeking additional funding from the local government to further implement the TUPAD Program in Bulacan. The proposed PHP22.487 million allocation aims to support 3,500 beneficiaries from Calumpit, Guiguinto, Hagonoy, Paombong, Bulakan, Angat, and Sta. Maria. These funds will be used for 10- to 15-day emergency employment activities, including community projects, clean-up drives, and rehabilitation efforts to aid communities in recovering from the impact of heavy monsoon rains.