By Liza Soriano

MANILA — A total of P424,437,726 has been distributed to victims of Typhoon Kristine across the Calabarzon region through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program.

Approximately 72,714 disadvantaged workers impacted by the typhoon were recipients of TUPAD assistance, according to Regional Director Atty. Roy Buenafe.

“This intervention is critical now more than ever, as it provides income-earning opportunities for our disadvantaged workers, allowing them to contribute to community rehabilitation and recovery efforts,” Buenafe stated.

The beneficiaries will work for 10 days on community clean-up, debris clearing, and public infrastructure rehabilitation from October 25 to November 2024. They will be compensated at the highest prevailing minimum wage rate in the region.

With a state of calamity declared in parts of Calabarzon, the DOLE Regional Director expressed hope that this assistance will help ease the hardships faced by affected workers.

ia/mnm

By Junex Doronio

MANILA – The saying that certain times “try men’s souls” has proven true once again as Typhoon Kristine’s devastation impacted all of Luzon and many parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. In response, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia have pledged to deploy air assets to support the Philippine government’s relief and aid efforts.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator and Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno revealed that these four countries committed to providing C-130 aircraft, large helicopters, and other air assets to help deliver relief supplies to the communities affected by Typhoon Kristine.

“‘Yung pakikipagtulungan sa atin ng mga ibang bansa, namely… Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia, formal na ‘yan. Magpadala rin sila ng air assets,” Nepomuceno said at the Saturday News Forum held at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City.

He added that while the Philippines has adequate air assets, the country remains open to “any additional help” from international partners.

“Any additional help is a sign of solidarity with our partners,” Nepomuceno stated.

Beyond these four Southeast Asian neighbors, Taiwan also expressed its willingness to send aircraft to aid in the Philippines’ relief operations.

As of Saturday morning, 81 fatalities have been reported following Typhoon Kristine’s onslaught.