TACLOBAN CITY — The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office(DOLE)- VIII has released P130.8 million in emergency wages to more than 27,000 workers affected by Typhoons Opong and Tino in Eastern Visayas, providing immediate income support as communities recover from storm damage.
DOLE-RO8 said 16,947 beneficiaries affected by Typhoon Opong came from Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar, while 10,593 workers impacted by Typhoon Tino were from Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Eastern Samar.
The assistance was distributed through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which offers short-term employment to workers displaced or affected by disasters.
Under the program, beneficiaries were engaged in community-based work such as clearing debris, repairing public facilities, and supporting relief and rehabilitation operations in their respective localities.
DOLE said these activities also helped restore damaged roads, schools, and barangay facilities, contributing to the resumption of basic services.
The labor department added that the implementation of the program was carried out in coordination with local government units, Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs), barangays, and partner agencies to ensure assistance reached the hardest-hit communities.
Typhoon Opong battered Eastern Visayas in late September with heavy rains, strong winds, and flooding, while Typhoon Tino struck the region in early November 2025, causing further damage to homes and infrastructure.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
