NEARLY 20,000 workers displaced by the oil spill caused by the sinking of the MT Princess Empress off Oriental Mindoro last February 28 are set to receive emergency employment benefits as well as capacity development training for future livelihood projects.
In a statement, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced that it has allocated a P110 million budget for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in 11 areas in Oriental Mindoro.
“With the agreement, 19,892 beneficiaries in affected areas in Oriental Mindoro will receive P110 million-worth of emergency employment and livelihood assistance through the TUPAD,” said Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma.
“DOLE shall provide temporary aid to disadvantaged or displaced workers under the TUPAD Program,” he added.
In particular, the labor chief said the assistance will be allocated to Pola (P5,065,875.00); Naujan (P9,143,103.00); Mansalay (P11,051,103.00); Pinamalayan (P17,886,147.00); Bansud (P7,787,673.00); Bulalacao (P13,355,514.00); Gloria (P8,207,055.00); Bongabong (P7,782,042.00); Roxas (P7,748,256.00); San Teodoro (P344,835.00); and Calapan City (P19,840,932.00).
Aside from the DOLE assistance, the labor chief said they are partnering with other government agencies, namely, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Tourism (DOT), and the Provincial Government of Oriental Mindoro (PGOM), to provide more long term assistance to affected families.
“The Department will strive to bring more sustainable and inclusive assistance to the affected individuals and families,” said Laguesma.
Under the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the DOT shall identify affected tourism workers and commence capacity development training programs for qualified beneficiaries on kulinarya/food tourism; farm tourism; tourism micro retail; and health and wellness tourism, among others.
Similarly, TESDA shall offer skills training in construction; agriculture; tourism; automotive; and other relevant sectors to affected workers.
As for the PGOM, DOLE said the local government will act as the coordinator in charge of ensuring the systematic coverage of affected workers and smooth project implementation, as well as monitoring the integration of trained beneficiaries to establish their self-reliance.
At least 15,000 fishermen, as well as workers in resorts and other business establishments in the area, were affected by the oil spill.
