DSWD rolls out ₱77 M for Boracay workers

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allocated ₱77 million for the implementation of cash-for-work (CFW) program for workers and residents affected by the temporary

closure of Boracay Island.

Around 8,000 displaced workers and residents may now avail of the CFW program for implementation in barangays Balabag, Yapak, and Manoc-manoc, DSWD said.

Under the program, each worker assigned to do rehabilitation work like digging, dredging, desilting of canals and drainages, planting of trees, reforestation, clearing pathways, shelter/ facilities repair, demolition of illegal structures, clearing of debris, garbage collecting, installing of support facilities, and hauling of food and non-food items will receive a daily wage of 1323.50.

Depending on their skills, CFW workers may also be assigned to do technical or office work such as enumeration/profiling activities, monitoring and report writing, camp management, and other disaster operations management center function.

The DSWD operations center at Faith Village in Station 3 is open to assist those who want to participate in the CFW.

Financial assistance, too

Aside from the hiring of CFW workers, the DSWD operations center also continues to provide financial assistance to those affected by the Boracay closure to tourists.

“The DSWD operations center will continue its diligent service, especially as we anticipate that more will seek assistance as the opening of classes is soon approaching. We are well aware that the lack of livelihood and income opportunities are a serious concern for affected families, so we are doing what we can to help,” DSWD Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo said.

From April 23 to May 21, the operations center has disbursed 118,687,000 to some 7,693 individuals.

Likewise, under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department, around 7,396 individuals were profiled and assessed as possible beneficiaries of the Livelihood Assistance Fund.

DSWD Undersecretary Malou Turalde-Jarabe said the pay-out for the SLP livelihood assistance will start on May 30.