Workers displaced by Mindoro oil spill get P257 million aid

MANILA, Philippines — Livelihood assistance amounting to P257 million has been provided to workers who lost their jobs due to an oil spill that hit Oriental Mindoro following the sinking of the motor tanker Princess Empress last year, according to the Department of Labor and Employment.

The DOLE said it has provided emergency employment assistance to around 62,000 workers in Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Western Visayas.

“From March to December 2023, the DOLE provided temporary employment to 61,929 workers, mostly fisherfolk, through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers or TUPAD program,” the DOLE said in a statement.

More than P3 million worth of livelihood aid was also provided to 210 workers in the three regions under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.

In Mimaropa, 57,067 workers received salaries amounting to P220.5 million under the TUPAD program.

In Pola town, 110 workers received livelihood assistance worth P1 million.

At least 2,063 workers in Antique were provided temporary employment and received salaries amounting to P17.8 million.

Up to 100 workers in Barangays Semirara, Sibolo, Tinogboc and Sibato in Caluya received livelihood aid amounting to P2.020 million while 2,034 workers in Isla Verde and Tingloy in Batangas received salaries amounting to P10.2 million.

In partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the DOLE said it has provided skills training to 765 affected workers in Oriental Mindoro.

A total of P5.6 million was allocated to cover the stipends of those who received training on small engine repair, organic farming, carpentry, masonry and motor vehicle driving, among others.