The Department of Labor and Employment in Region 9 (DOLE-9) has released some PHP43.5 million worth of livelihood and emergency employment assistance coinciding with the Labor Day celebration in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Engr. Wesley Tan, labor and employment officer of DOLE-9, said Monday that 80 percent of the PHP43.5 million was distributed to 9,328 beneficiaries of livelihood and emergency employment assistance in this city.

The 20 percent or more than PHP8.7 million was released in the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur, and Isabela City.

Tan said that 658 of the 9,328 beneficiaries in the city are workers of canning factories and fishing firms who were affected by the three-month closed season for sardine fishing.

“We provide them emergency employment through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) workers program,” Tan said. “They worked for 10 days and received PHP351 daily or for a total PHP3,510 each based on the minimum wage law.”

A number of TUPAD recipients, who requested anonymity, said the short them employment had helped them a lot.

Tan said that 50 beneficiaries received PHP994,600 livelihood starter kits through DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP).

The Labor Day activity here is a job fair wherein 3,909 vacancies are available.

Albert Gutib, DOLE-9 director, said the vacant jobs are open for individuals seeking local and overseas employment.

The job fair was participated by 34 employers, four of which are overseas placement agencies.

This year’s Labor Day celebration is anchored on the theme “Pabahay, Bilihing Abot-Presyo, Benepisyo ng Matatag na Trabaho para sa Manggagawang Pilipino.” (PNA)