The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) distributed upwards of ₱113 million in emergency wages and livelihood subsidies to numerous residents across Negros Oriental on Saturday, reinforcing government initiatives to generate jobs and encourage long-term economic stability in the area.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino spearheaded the distribution event at the DOLE-Negros Island Region (NIR) satellite headquarters located in Barangay Bajumpandan, Dumaguete City.
Highlighting the prospects of the newly established NIR, Tolentino characterized it as a region full of potential that embodies local ambitions.
”I look at NIR as a fulfillment of the collective desire of the people here to have their voices and aspirations honed and developed in accordance with their wishes,” he said.
The labor chief also emphasized his commitment to cultivating a reliable regional branch.
”We will build, brick by brick, a new structure for the DOLE regional office in Dumaguete — not with cement and stone, but I am referring to character, integrity and efficiency,” he added.
Out of the total allocation, ₱7.4 million from the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) was channeled to 174 individuals via the Danawan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association (DABA), which serves as an accredited co‑partner. The money will bankroll a fertilizer and feeds venture for DABA, a grain milling project for the Matinabangon Farmers’ Association, and agricultural supply trading for the Manalongon Livelihood Association.
Furthermore, personalized subsidies were given to 19 parents and guardians of former child laborers to help them establish small-scale operations like swine and goat farming, vegetable cultivation, and carpentry.
An additional four residents secured livelihood starter kits valued at roughly ₱160,000 through the Maigsing Tagpo Farmers Association to launch neighborhood retail and rice shops.
DOLE likewise turned over funding certificates to partner organizations managing the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) cash-for-work initiative. Metro Dumaguete College secured over ₱57 million to cover short-term jobs for 6,758 workers scattered across Siquijor and the Second District of Negros Oriental.
Meanwhile, the Zamboanguita Small Coconut Farmers Multi‑Purpose Cooperative secured more than ₱48 million to benefit 5,892 TUPAD workers in the province’s First and Third districts.
During the launch, DOLE conducted an informational briefing for 200 student-beneficiaries from Metro Dumaguete College, who are slated to earn ₱8,250 each for 15 days of community service. Their responsibilities will span clearing roadside brush, minor repairs on public infrastructure, and restoring pedestrian walkways to elevate local safety and cleanliness.
In a separate allocation, the Christian Advocates for Justice and Development in Negros Inc. secured upwards of ₱60 million to assist 7,297 TUPAD workers based in Negros Occidental.