At least 78,000 residents in typhoon-stricken provinces of Central Luzon have been hired under the emergency employment program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE Central Luzon Office Regional Director Geraldine M. Panlilio, said they have allocated P476 million for the emergency employment program to assist the residents hit by super typhoon "Karding" through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

Panlilio said around 42,000 beneficiaries have already been employed in a 10-day post-typhoon clearing and rehabilitation work.

The DOLE Central Luzon Office has allotted P190 million for the first batch of TUPAD proponents as part of the government’s early recovery program for typhoon victims.

10,000 beneficiaries came from Bulacan, 5,000 from Aurora, 3,000 from Bataan, 8,000 from Nueva Ecija, and the rest came from Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

The beneficiaries were sent for clearing, cleaning, de-clogging of canals, rehabilitation of public schools, and other activities needed in the restoration of communities.

"Ang purpose natin ay to provide early recovery program sa mga typhoon victims kasama na diyan ‘yung programa ng ating national government (Our purpose is to provide an early recovery program to typhoon victims as part of the national government initiatives)," said Panlilio.

Panlilio asserted that they have sufficient funds to accommodate all typhoon victims who want to avail of the employment emergency program.

Another 36,000 beneficiaries of the TUPAD program have been tapped to augment the need for rehabilitation works according to DOLE Central Luzon.

"We have regular funds to accommodate our beneficiaries. That can be increased if necessary, as stated by our secretary, Benny (Bienvenido) Laguesma," Panlilio said.

Meanwhile, Panlilio clarified that applicants for TUPAD are being screened thoroughly to make sure that only legitimate and concerned recipients will benefit from the program.