Pangasinan: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has earmarked over PHP60 million for an emergency employment assistance program aimed at rehabilitating disaster-affected areas in Pangasinan.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE-Ilocos Regional Director Exequiel Ronie Guzman stated that the program prioritizes families impacted by Typhoon Emong and Super Typhoon Uwan. Beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program will be profiled to determine eligibility.
Guzman highlighted that the program will focus on individuals who have not yet received assistance from other programs. The employment assistance will involve tasks related to clearing and rehabilitating affected areas, including school classrooms which have suffered varying degrees of damage.
In the Pangasinan Schools Division 1, 1,062 classrooms sustained minor damage, 564 incurred major damage, and 461 were completely destroyed due to Uwan, according to the Department of Education’s report. Guzman mentioned that coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways will be undertaken to facilitate rehabilitation efforts.
Each recipient of the program is set to receive a daily minimum wage of PHP505.
