The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Bicol Region has completed the cash payout for Camarines Norte residents affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.

DOLE-5 spokesperson Johana Vi Gasga said the wages were distributed to 1,077 beneficiaries from four towns in the province.

The payout was conducted in the towns of Capalonga – 767 beneficiaries (PHP3 million); Labo – 117 beneficiaries PHP462,150; Daet – 79 beneficiaries PHP312,050; and San Lorenzo Ruiz – 114 beneficiaries (PHP450,300).

“Each beneficiary conducted community development projects like cleanup drives, community-based farming initiatives, planting of disaster-resilient crops, and repacking relief goods. A daily wage of PHP395 based on the number of days worked was given to them,” she said in an interview.

DOLE-Bicol Regional Director Imelda Gatinao assured the beneficiaries that the government remains committed to supporting those severely affected by the typhoon, acknowledging the challenges faced by Bicolanos in the aftermath of the storm.

“Patuloy po ang aming misyon na magbigay suporta sa mga komunidad na labis na nasalanta ng Kristine. Sa pamamagitan ng TUPAD program, sa pagbibigay ng agarang tulong pinansyal at pansamantalang trabaho sa mga nasalanta, sana ay makatulong ito sa inyong pagsisimula ulit. Layunin po ito ng gobyernno na tulungan ang bawat isa sa inyong makabangon at masiguro na walang maiiwan sa ating mga kababayan na makapag-recover (Our mission is to continue to provide support to the communities that were severely affected by Kristine. Through the TUPAD program, in providing immediate financial assistance and temporary work to those affected, I hope this will help you start over. This is the goal of government, to help each of you recover and ensure that none of our countrymen are left behind to recover),” she said.

Meanwhile, Eleonor Florendo, 53, a Capalonga, Camarines Norte resident, expressed her gratitude for the assistance, saying it helped alleviate her family’s financial struggles.

“Napakalaking tulong po nito lalo na po ngayon na sunod-sunod ang kalamidad at halos hindi na po makalaot ang aking asawa dahil mapanganib po mangisda. Kaya maraming salamat po sa DOLE, dahil sa paglilinis ng kalsada, simbahan, at school sa loob ng 10 days at makaka recieved ako ng PHP3,950 para sa panggastos sa anak naming nag aaral (It’s a great help, especially now that there is one calamity after another and my husband can hardly afford it because it’s dangerous to fish. So thank you very much to DOLE, for cleaning the road, church, and school within 10 days, and I will be able to receive PHP3,950 for the expenses of our child who is studying),” she said.

The TUPAD program provides emergency employment to disadvantaged workers, offering 10 to 30 days of community work, especially during times of disaster and calamities, to enable beneficiaries to improve and rehabilitate their communities. (PNA)