The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is going to spend P50 million in cash-for-work program before end of the year to provide livelihood to residents in storm-ravaged Region 8.
DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz told reporters on the sidelines of the 3rd Philippine Manufacturers and Producers Summit in Makati that the P50 million falls under the Emergency Employment and Livelihood Program (EELP), which was allocated to her department under the 2013 budget.
According to Baldoz, this program will be implemented in coordination with the local government units of Region 8. Under the program, LGUs will come up with work program that would be funded by DOLE.
“We will be creating lots of local employment in Region 8 because of the massive reconstruction of buildings and government infrastructure,” Baldoz said noting that DOLE’s regional office building alone is part of those government structures that were destroyed by killer typhoon “Yolanda”.
There is also a need for massive clearing up operations in the cities and municipalities in Region 8, particularly Tacloban, Ormoc and Guiwan.
Baldoz cannot give a timetable as to the disbursement of the funds since this would depend on how soon the LGUs can come up with the work program.

Source: Manila Bulletin - November 16, 2013