The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) programs thru their Employment Assistance for the Displaced/Disadvantaged (TUPAD), encouraged local governments in the Caraga Region, especially those severely affected by the typhoon Odette, to submit proposals to commensurate with the livelihood of the residents.

"DOLE continues to liaise with our Public Employment Service Offices (PESO), with all our local government units affected not only here in the hardest hit areas of Surigao del Norte municipalities and cities, and in Dinagat Islands if not in other areas here in our region, "said DOLE Caraga regional director, Joffrey Suyao.

Director Suyao stressed that he strictly instructed PESO managers, to conduct an assessment in the affected areas of the region and also contact the local government to find out their needs and be given the corresponding funding by the DOLE Central Office.

"Apart from the deployment of our TUPAD or Emergency Employment Program, other programs of the department will continue, especially our poverty alleviation program-livelihood program. Under livelihood, we have three ways on how to benefit from it. We have start-up availment; if you have an exisiting livelihood and have changed, we have what is called a rehabilitation program; and we also have groups, not just individuals, "added Suyao.

DOLE also provides technical assistance to beneficiaries such as tools or machinery that they can use in their livelihood depending on the approved proposal.

Photo Credit: PIA