The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. VIII (DOLE-RO8) has released a total of ₱130,815,000 in wages to twenty-seven thousand five hundred forty (27,540) workers affected by Typhoons Opong and Tino, providing much-needed emergency employment and financial support to vulnerable communities in Eastern Visayas.
Of the total beneficiaries, 16,947 were victims of Typhoon Opong from the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar, while 10,593 were affected by Typhoon Tino coming from Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Eastern Samar.
Through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, beneficiaries were engaged in community-based recovery activities, including clearing debris, repairing public facilities, and assisting in relief operations. For many, the program offered a critical source of income to cover daily necessities, replace damaged belongings, and support their families during the post-typhoon recovery period.
Beyond immediate livelihood, the initiative also benefited communities directly. Roads, schools, and barangay centers damaged by the storms were rehabilitated, ensuring safer and cleaner public spaces for residents.
Typhoon Opong hit the country in late September causing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread flooding that damaged homes, roads, and public facilities across the region, while the typhoon Tino struck the Eastern Visayas the first week of November 2025, affecting Leyte, Southern Leyte and Eastern Samar.
The successful implementation of TUPAD in Eastern Visayas was made possible through close coordination with local government units, Public Employment Service Office (PESO), barangays, and partner agencies, ensuring that assistance reached the most affected areas and the workers in need.
