A total of PHP45 million has been allocated for the emergency employment of 1,357 individuals affected by the oil spill in Bataan, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said on Thursday.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said beneficiaries in the province will be given temporary employment for a maximum of 20 days under Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program.

“A total of 1,357 TUPAD workers who will be working for 10-20 days are being utilized in gathering/collecting coconut husks and making of spill booms,” he said in a text message to reporters.

“They will also assist in the clean-up operations on the aftermath effects of (Super) Typhoon Carina,” he said.

On July 25, 2024, fuel tanker MT Terra Nova, carrying some 1.5 million liters of industrial oil sank off Limay, Bataan, causing an oil spill which has also affected several areas in Cavite.

Different government agencies are working together to contain the oil spill.

Meanwhile, Super Typhoon Carina brought heavy rains in Luzon, including Metro Manila, on July 24, 2024, rendering many areas flooded.

Other places affected by Carina include the Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro and the Cordillera Administrative Region. (PNA)