DOLE extends 110-M assistance to OFWs affected by 'Usman'

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it is ready to dispose 110 million as financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by Typhoon “Usman.”

At the post-disaster assessment briefing led by President Duterte in Camarines Sur, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said his department is ready to assist those affected by the typhoon.

"We are ready to dispose of 110 million as financial assistance to OFWs affected by this Typhoon Usman," Bello said Friday, adding that the amount is ready to be distributed.

Aside from the assistance, DOLE is also set to give those affected emergency employment for 15 days.

"We are prepared to give 3,000 affected residents of Sagñay and Tiwi... an emergency employment for 15 days which should entitle them to about 3,000 which would amount to about 110 million," Bello said.

"Iyong aming available funds for the OFWs is about 185 million, pero nandiyan na po ‘yung 110 million dala-dala namin para sa mga affected OFWs (We have about 185 million available funds for the OFWs but we now have 110 million ready for those affected)," he added.

In addition, Bello said that the DOLE also has livelihood projects for all those affected. He added that there will be no limit to these projects.

"Wala pong limit Mr. President. Basta kung anong kailangan nung mga affected residents (There's no limit, Mr. President. Whatever the affected residents need). We are ready to give them the necessary financial assistance Mr. President," he said.

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Joselito Bautista disclosed during the situation briefing that the department were able to preposition more than 30,000 food packs before the typhoon arrived.

He added that they were also to produce 20,000 non-food items including the malong, hygiene kits, and family kits, among others.