NAGA CITY, Cebu — After tropical depression “Urduja” flooded 15 barangays here, affecting 81 families or 316 individuals including children and caused damage to major infrastructure, the Region 7 Office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE7) has immediately sent personnel to assess the area for livelihood restoration assistance.

DoLE-7 Regional Director Elias A. Cayanong said the agency has deployed senior officials to assess the situation in Naga so that, along with the local government unit (LGU), it can set a package of livelihood restoration assistance for the flood victims.

“We stand steadfast in assisting flood victims here specially those who are informal sector workers, as we are committed to support and bring back their source of livelihood,” said Cayanong.

He disclosed that currently, DoLE7 is closely coordinating with the office of 1st district Representative Eduardo Gullas and City Mayor Valdemar Chiong to provide victims with the necessary materials, tools and equipment to immediately regain their source of revenue.

He added that as soon as the processing of papers are completed, DoLE-7 will directly release livelihood aid to identified victims.

Meanwhile, the victims, which include farmers, women, the youth and fisher folks, will be identified by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the preparation of project proposals which will be channelled under DoLE’s Integrated Livelihood Project.

Further, farmers can propose farm inputs for their crops as well as tools, equipments and farm animals for farming in coordination with the City’s Agriculturist, Mr. Victor Rabor.

At the same time, fisher folks, through the Integrated Services for Livelihood Assistance, can also secure fishing gears and paraphernalia for their alternative livelihood.