TACLOBAN CITY — To cushion the economic impact of the ongoing rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released P2 million in livelihood assistance to transport groups whose operations and incomes have been severely affected by traffic restrictions on the vital Leyte–Samar link.
The aid benefited five transport cooperatives and companies, covering 130 transport workers, including drivers and conductors, whose daily earnings have declined following the reduction in trips across the iconic bridge.
Under DOLE’s Adjustment Measures Program (AMP), each recipient received P400,000 to establish alternative livelihood projects such as auto repair shops and car wash businesses. The beneficiaries include the Basey, Cabalawan Ridgeview, Sta. Rita, and Villareal transport cooperatives, as well as JM Sanico Liner Corporation.
The ongoing bridge rehabilitation has forced public utility vehicles to cut back on daily trips and adjust schedules, significantly reducing income for transport workers who rely on regular cross-island travel.
In a statement, DOLE-8 said the livelihood assistance is intended not only to help beneficiaries maintain their transport units but also to enable them to generate income by offering services to walk-in customers within their communities.
Transport cooperative officials thanked DOLE for the timely support, noting that the program provides them with a practical way to cope with the economic strain brought about by the rehabilitation works while allowing them to continue contributing to the local economy.
Aside from the transport sector, DOLE also released an additional P3 million in AMP grants to eight other businesses in Eastern Visayas, aimed at preventing layoffs and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) facing operational challenges.
The Adjustment Measures Program serves as a national safety net for workers and enterprises affected by economic disruptions, offering a combination of training, financial assistance, and livelihood support to help sustain jobs and maintain workforce stability.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
