Around 8,000 workers and residents affected by the Boracay closure to tourists may now avail of the Cash for Work (CFW) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

DSWD has earmarked P77 million for the implementation of CFW in barangays Balabag, Yapak, and Manocmanoc.

Under the program, each  worker will receive P323.50 as daily wage with the work lasting up to 30 days.  CFW workers will be assigned to do various works such as digging, dredging, desilting of canals and drainages, planting of trees, reforestation, clearing pathways, shelter/facilities repair, demolition of illegal structure, clearing of debris, garbage collecting, installing of support facilities, and hauling of food and non-food items.

 Depending on their skills, CFW workers may also be assigned to do technical or office work such as enumeration/profiling activities, monitoring and report writing, camp management, and other disaster operations management center function.

The DSWD operations center at Faith Village in Station 3 is open to assist those who want to participate in the CFW.

Meanwhile, aside from the hiring of CFW workers, the DSWD operations center also continues to provide financial assistance to those affected by the Boracay closure to tourists.

 From April 23 to May 21, the operations center has disbursed P18,687,000    for some 7,693 individuals who availed of the assistance.

Likewise, under the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department, around 7,396 individuals were profiled and assessed as possible beneficiaries  of the Livelihood Assistance Fund.

According to DSWD Undersecretary Malou Turalde-Jarabe, the pay-out for the SLP livelihood assistance will start on May 30.

DSWD Acting Secretary Virginia Orogo said, “Tourism activities in Boracay had to be temporarily suspended in line with President Rodrigo Roa-Duterte’s instruction to preserve the cleanliness and beauty of our natural resources.  In support of this cause, the Department will not waiver in its commitment to help those affected to find livelihood opportunities and secure access to government welfare services.”

“The DSWD operations center will continue its diligent service, especially as we anticipate that more will seek assistance as the opening of classes is soon approaching. We are well aware that the lack of livelihood and income opportunities are a serious concern for  affected families, so we are doing what we can to help,” Sec. Orogo added. ###