DOLE Announces Emergency Jobs for Sarangani Quake Victims

Sarangani, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) announced on Monday that it will provide emergency employment to private sector workers affected by the recent magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Sarangani, Davao Occidental. The initiative is part of the government’s efforts to support those impacted by the natural disaster.

According to Philippines News Agency, the emergency employment assistance falls under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. Laguesma has instructed the DOLE regional office to coordinate the implementation of this program. The department is awaiting an official report from field officials to determine the necessary budget for the emergency employment program.

TUPAD, a community-based assistance program, offers jobs for durations ranging from 10 to 30 days, with salaries based on the existing minimum wage rate in the region. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported that the earthquake caused significant damage, affecting 2,489 families or 12,885 people across 43 villages in the Davao Region and Soccsksargen. Additionally, 826 houses were reported as damaged, and the fatalities, currently numbered at nine, are undergoing validation.