The Department of Labor and Employment in Caraga (DOLE-13) has set aside PHP89.2 million to provide temporary jobs to more than 15,800 families affected by Tropical Storm Basyang across the region, officials announced Tuesday.

DOLE-13 said the assistance will be implemented under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, which offers short-term employment to displaced and vulnerable residents.

Of the total beneficiaries, 2,805 are from Agusan del Norte, 2,080 from Agusan del Sur, 4,051 from Surigao del Sur, 4,457 from Surigao del Norte, and 2,431 from Dinagat Islands.

“Orientations have already been conducted in Agusan del Norte, where beneficiaries began community work under TUPAD. The TUPAD activities are expected to wrap up by March 21,” DOLE-13 said.

Agusan del Norte received PHP21 million in funding, covering families in Kitcharao (743), Tubay (538), Cabadbaran City (428), Jabonga (291), Magallanes (230), Buenavista (230), Santiago (130), Las Nieves (65), Nasipit (50), Carmen (50), and Remedios T. Romualdez (50).

“The validation of beneficiaries in other provinces is ongoing. Once completed, orientations and employment activities will follow,” DOLE-13 said.

Tropical Storm Basyang made landfall in Bayabas, Surigao del Sur on Feb. 5, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that triggered floods and landslides across the region.

“The program aims not only to provide immediate financial relief but also to speed up recovery by mobilizing residents to help restore and rehabilitate their communities,” DOLE-13 said. (PNA)