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DOLE to aid typhoon-hit OFW families in Cagayan

By Ferdinand Patinio

November 22, 2019, 4:57 pm

<p>Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. <em>(File photo)</em></p>

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III. (File photo)

MANILA -- The government is ready to provide assistance to affected workers and families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Cagayan, which was hit by typhoons this month, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said Friday.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, they have conducted an initial assessment of workers displaced by Typhoons "Quiel" (Nakri) and "Ramon" (Kalmaegi) which hit the country in November.

"We will provide employment temporary employment to the victims of calamities, like what is happening in Region 2," he said in an interview.

The DOLE chief added that they have sought financial support from the Office of the President to be able to supplement their budget.

"Initially, our assessment is about half a billion pesos. But it could go beyond that, especially with the recent developments. The damage has been massive," Bello said.

On the other hand, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will be providing calamity assistance to the families of OFWs.

OWWA Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said they have allotted PHP1.4 million to assist families of active members.

Hundreds of residents have been displaced after the province was hit by landslides and flash floods brought by typhoon Quiel early this month.

Meanwhile, Typhoon Ramon also forced many residents to evacuate their homes. (PNA)

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