DSWD launches cash-for-work program for oil spill victims

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has initiated a cash-for-work program for 19,895 individuals impacted by the oil spill off Oriental Mindoro.

This program aims to provide temporary employment to families, primarily fisherfolk, who have lost their livelihoods due to the disaster.

Beneficiaries are engaged in various environmental rehabilitation and cleanup activities, including collecting materials for oil spill booms, establishing gardens, rehabilitating mangroves, and community cleanup drives.

Participants receive a daily wage equivalent to the regional minimum wage, with beneficiaries in Oriental Mindoro earning P355 per day and those in Antique earning P450 per day for the first 10 working days.

So far, over P3.1 million has been disbursed to cover initial beneficiaries in Oriental Mindoro and Antique.

The DSWD is finalizing budgetary requirements to extend the cash-for-work program from 15 to 45 days in the affected areas.

The department is also processing the release of funds to Batangas for a similar program that will benefit 2,000 individuals.