DOLE allocates PHP500M for Bicol typhoon victims

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allocated nearly PHP500 million to assist workers affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine and Super Typhoon Pepito in the Bicol Region.

As of Nov. 13, initial payouts of close to PHP200 million were awarded to beneficiaries from six provinces: Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes.

DOLE-Bicol Director Imelda Gatinao said the fund will provide emergency employment for more than 144,000 affected workers through community-based activities such as clearing debris, cleaning up, farming initiatives, planting disaster-resilient crops, and repacking relief goods.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., along with Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, distributed initial cash payouts to typhoon-affected beneficiaries under the TUPAD program on Nov. 19, 2024.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 in Bicol has also provided relief assistance to 295 personnel impacted by Super Typhoon Pepito in Catanduanes, delivering essential supplies like clean drinking water, rice, and grocery packs through the directives of Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon.