The Department of Labor and Employment in Bicol (DOLE-5), along with the provincial government of Albay, is set to provide emergency employment to residents in various local government units (LGUs) affected by the massive ashfall from Mayon Volcano.

In a Tuesday interview, Imelda Gatinao, regional director of DOLE-Bicol, said affected residents will be recipients of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, which will provide 10 days of employment to qualified beneficiaries.

“Currently, our staff is in Camalig and Guinobatan for the actual profiling of beneficiaries. I already talked to Albay Governor Noel Rosal about the town of Daraga, and we are also coordinating with Oas and Ligao City because we know that they are also affected,” Gatinao said.

She said more than 20,000 individuals are expected to benefit from the program, with total assistance exceeding PHP110 million.

“In case of a calamity, clearing operations, community cleanup activities and rehabilitation efforts in the barangay are possible. In addition to the benefits that participants in TUPAD will receive, it is also very timely that they can assist in cleaning the affected areas,” she said.

Validations are being conducted to ensure that the rightful beneficiaries receive the program’s benefits.

“They will also get compensation for 10 days of work at the regional minimum wage of PHP455 per day,” Gatinao said.

“We will implement it right away. Hopefully, if we don’t catch up within the week, then immediately next week,” she added.

Silverio Pielago, a councilor of Barangay Travesia, said the implementation of the TUPAD program is expected to aid cleanup efforts as the barangay coordinates with relevant agencies for further assistance. (PNA)