Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Acting Secretary Jim Sampulna awarded a check amounting to P42.2 million as relief assistance to DENR employees in typhoon Yolanda-stricken areas, particularly Palawan, Eastern Visayas, and Western Visayas.
“This check speaks of the DENR’s valued commitment to push tirelessly for the welfare and benefits of its hardworking workforce, however long and challenging the waiting has been,” Sampulna said, citing the tireless efforts of DENR field officials in securing the financial help.
The environment chief handed over the checks to senior field officials of DENR Regions 8, 6, and 4B worth P34.2 million, P7.2 million, and P760,000, respectively, during the flag-raising ceremony.
The environment head expressed his gratitude to President Rodrigo Duterte for the support to the agency’s employees despite the government’s limited budget and resources due to COVID-19 and the global repercussions of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
“The cash aid make up the second tranche of financial help from the Office of the President.”
He said the latest aid make up the second tranche of financial help from the Office of the President, following the release of about P11 million in 2012 in response to a request made by DENR-Northern Mindanao officials for monetary aid for workers affected by typhoon Sendong in December 2011.
“The cash aid is as good a day as any, particularly for many of our co-workers who are still paying off loans for the reconstruction of their houses that were damaged by typhoon Yolanda in 2013.”
DENR-Region 8 Executive Director Tirso Parian said the release of the cash aid “is as good a day as any, particularly for many of our co-workers who are still paying off loans for the reconstruction of their houses that were damaged by typhoon Yolanda in 2013.”
Eastern Visayas DENR Employees Union (EVDENREU) president Sonia Mejido said 164 workers whose houses were completely damaged by the typhoon will receive P100,000 each, while 594 beneficiaries whose houses were partially damaged will get P30,000 each.
DENREU-Region 6 president Emma Delima said 156 beneficiaries will receive P30,000 each, while 26 beneficiaries will get P100,000 each.
Likewise, 23 DENR workers in Palawan will receive P30,000 each, while one beneficiary will get P100,000.
Beneficiary-individuals who are no longer employees of the DENR will still receive the financial aid, including those deceased, through their next of kin, Mejido and Delima assured.
