Masbate city: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday provided more than PHP48 million worth of assistance to 9,000 residents of Masbate province affected by Severe Tropical Storm Opong last week. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, alongside Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, visited the affected communities and led the distribution of aid at the Nursery Elementary School in Masbate City.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE distributed over PHP29.8 million in Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) wages to 6,455 beneficiaries from 11 municipalities, including San Pascual, Aroroy, and Balud. An additional 446 workers from other areas will be deployed under TUPAD for projects such as cleanup and rehabilitation, with an allocated budget of PHP2.03 million.

A total of 1,870 workers are currently undergoing profiling for the next wave of TUPAD implementation, supported by a budget of PHP8.5 million. Additionally, DOLE Bicol allocated PHP5 million for 100 beneficiaries through its Integrated Livelihood Program, providing starter kits and support for small-scale enterprises.

The Government Internship Program (GIP) is also being implemented with a budget of PHP2.7 million, aimed at providing 150 interns with work experience in government service across the province.