DOLE Region 6 and its field office in Antique are also processing the release of an additional aid of P1.1 million to 226 beneficiaries.

The P19 million TUPAD funding, inclusive of wages, personal protective equipment (PPE), and group personal accident insurance (GPAI), is in exchange for the beneficiaries’ services in the coastal clean-up and greening initiatives in the area.

The TUPAD program of DOLE is a community-based assistance package intended to provide emergency employment to underemployed and seasonal workers and those affected by crises and emergencies, such as the oil spill from the sea mishap in Oriental Mindoro that reached several coastal areas of Caluya town and affected the livelihood of fishing communities there.

Aside from the financial assistance, DSWD 6 has also provided family food packs, non-food items, and modular tents.

The delivery of aid and technical assistance to Caluya town remains continuous as well, attributable to the logistics and transportation support of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other concerned government entities.

Meanwhile, Caluya town Mayor Rigil Kent Lim on April 13 issued Executive Order  No. 26, S. 2023, lifting the suspension of all fishing activities in the deep waters of the island municipality which are now observed to have no traces of oil sheen.

However, fisherfolks are advised that fishing activities are still prohibited in the shoreline and shallow areas of the affected coastal communities. (AAL/BPS/PIA Antique/Photo Courtesy: DOLE Region 6)