DOLE-7 allots P19.7 million for salary of farmers

Under Emergency Employment Program 

CEBU, Philippines -  The Department of Labor and Employment-7 has allocated at least P19.7 million for payment of the salaries, among others, of the beneficiaries of its Emergency Employment Program especially those affected by the El Niño phenomenon.

In a statement, DOLE-7 said there were 2,430 agriculture sector workers from Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor who were identified to have participated in the 10 to 30-day emergency employment under DOLE's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged workers (TUPAD).

 It said that the four provinces in the region are among the 67 provinces nationwide which

experienced the dry spell.

In the same statement, DOLE-7 director Exequiel Sarcauga said that the budget allocated, aside from salaries, is also intended for the group's accident insurance, personal protective equipment (PPEs), and orientation on safety and health before they would start working.

 For the insurance premiums, DOLE allocated P123, 930, another P607, 500 for the PPEs.

Sarcauga added that Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz's order was for the agency to assist farmers affected by the El Nino phenomenon.

   He added that they partnered with the National Irrigation Administration in identifying the affected farmers who will receive the assistance from them. — (FREEMAN)