The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released ₱11 million in assistance to help more than 1,500 workers affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu on September 30.
The financial aid will be distributed under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, following the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to immediately extend support to Filipinos impacted by natural disasters.
According to DOLE, a total of 1,513 workers from quake-hit areas will benefit from the program. Of this number, 862 are from Cebu City, while 163 each are from San Remigio, Medellin, and Bogo City—the quake’s epicenter. Another 81 workers each are from Sogod and Daan-Bantayan.
Additionally, 400 workers from Medellin and Tabogon will receive wages amounting to ₱2,004,000 through TUPAD as part of the government’s immediate financial relief while rehabilitation efforts continue.
DOLE Central Visayas Regional Director Roy L. Buenafe said the program will prioritize those who lost their jobs, especially those employed in micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
He added that personnel from the Cebu Provincial Office have been deployed to conduct beneficiary profiling and site monitoring to ensure continuous assistance to affected communities.
The earthquake, which hit Bogo City and nearby areas on Tuesday, September 30, has caused widespread damage across northern Cebu. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), more than 5,228 aftershocks have been recorded so far, with tremors expected to continue.
“Inaasahan natin na magkakaroon pa ng mga aftershocks in the next few days. Sometimes the aftershocks would last for several weeks,” said PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol.
Through this initiative, DOLE aims to provide immediate livelihood support and help affected workers recover as communities gradually rebuild from the disaster.