DAVAO CITY, Oct. 14 -- In response to the twin strong earthquakes that struck the Davao Region on Oct.10, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-11) announced Tuesday the implementation of its emergency employment program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), which benefits 5,450 residents across the region.

The program, which began on Monday, is backed by a PHP28 million allocation. Of the total beneficiaries, 4,950 are from Davao Oriental, while the remaining 500 are spread across Davao City, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental.

In a statement, DOLE-11 regional director Randolf Pensoy said the bulk of the implementation will be concentrated in Manay town of Davao ...