MANILA, Philippines — Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma on Saturday announced that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has rolled out its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to assist workers affected by recent earthquakes in Cebu and Davao. In an interview, Laguesma said the emergency employment program would provide at least 10 days of work and corresponding financial assistance to thousands of displaced workers in both regions. “Right after the earthquakes in Cebu and Davao, our regional personnel immediately conducted assessments,” Laguesma said. “In Cebu, around 5,900 beneficiaries were initially identified, with P35.9 million allocated for their wages. In Davao, about 5,400 beneficiaries will receive assistance amounting to roughly P28 million.” Under TUPAD, beneficiaries will be engaged in short-term community work such as clearing debris, cleaning canals and schools, removing water hyacinths that block waterways, and eliminating mosquito breeding sites to prevent dengue outbreaks. Some will also help in restoring affected tourist sites to revive local livelihoods. Laguesma said that workers need not apply directly to DOLE to join the program since the agency coordinates with local government units to identify eligible beneficiaries. “Our regional and provincial offices work closely with LGUs, who are the first to know which barangay were affected. DOLE then validates these lists to make sure the program remains inclusive,” he said. The labor chief said wages would be released immediately after the 10-day work period, either through face-to-face payout or remittance centers to ensure beneficiaries receive the full amount. “In Cebu, the minimum daily wage is P540, and the same goes for Davao,” he added. “They will receive their full 10-day pay without deductions.” Beyond emergency employment, Laguesma said affected workers may also access other DOLE assistance programs such as livelihood grants to help them recover in the longer term. “Temporary employment serves as a bridge for our workers to get back on their feet,” he said. “After TUPAD, we make sure they can access more sustainable opportunities through our livelihood initiatives.”