PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA)- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) released cash assistance to the municipalities of Bayog, Tabina, and Tigbao during the turnover ceremony held at the DOLE’s provincial field office. 

According to DOLE Regional Director Albert E. Gutib, the office prioritizes cash assistance for the constituents who were greatly affected by the El Niño in the 4th to 6th class towns in the province.

“The regional office nagprioritize gayud sa paghatag ug ayuda labi na sa mga naapektuhan sa El Niño,” he said. 

(The regional office has prioritized giving aid especially to those affected by El Niño.)

There are 1,208 beneficiaries of DOLE under the DILP (DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) TUPAD within the selected three (3) municipalities. 

These beneficiaries have rendered ten days of services in their respective localities with a minimum wage of P381 per day. Each of the towns received a total amount of over P1.9 million.

Mayor Eleazar C. Carcallas of Tigbao expressed gratitude to DOLE for the cash assistance they received, as this would be a big help to his constituents in meeting their basic needs.

“Ako nagpasalamat para sa akong mga katawhan labi na karun nga grabe gayud kalisod, I tried my best to improve and help pero grabe na gayud ka init ug uga na gyud atoang mga farms. Naglibog nako unsaon pagtabang sa mga tawo maong kani dako kaayo nig katabang,” he said.

(I am grateful for my people, especially now that it is very challenging. I tried my best to improve and help but the heat and drought have greatly affected our farms. I’m confused about how to help the people, that is why this is a big help.)

Provincial Director Miraflor J. Casanes stressed that DOLE is committed to extending the help and services even to the remote areas of the province, especially to the areas not yet reached by DOLE’s programs and services.

The cash assistance from DOLE is a significant aid to the people of Bayog, Tabina, and Tigbao. This program aims to alleviate the rising poverty incidents in the province, particularly in this drought season. (RVC/EDT/HTB/KGP-GIP/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)