ZAMBOANGA CITY, June 12 -- The Department of Labor and Employment-Zamboanga Peninsula (DOLE-9) celebrated Independence Day on Friday by releasing PHP39.2 million in livelihood and financial assistance for eligible laborers in the region.

In a statement, DOLE-9 Director Albert Gutib said that PHP22 million of the total assistance was funded through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), while the remaining PHP17.2 million was subsidized under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.

A total of 525 beneficiaries were listed under the DILP, including parents/guardians of child laborers, women's associations, persons with disabilities, vegetable and seaweed farmers, the urban poor, union members, fi...