Over P600 million in aid reaches 130,000 beneficiaries in Central Visayas

Local

GOVERNMENT agencies and local government units in Central Visayas have delivered more than P600 million worth of assistance to over 130,000 beneficiaries as part of efforts to shield vulnerable sectors from the economic effects of tensions in the Middle East.

The aid package, consolidated by the Department of Economy, Planning and Development-Central Visayas (DEPDev-7), was presented during the joint meeting of the Regional Uplift Committee and the Regional Development Council on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Danao City. The assistance covered transport workers, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), farmers, fisherfolk, tourism workers, minimum wage earners, and other affected groups.

DEPDev-7 Assistant Regional Director Evelyn Nacario-Castro said there were seven national government agencies and three local governments that submitted their reports and contributed to the regionwide response.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-7 accounted for the largest share of assistance, releasing P363.56 million and benefiting 72,722 individuals.

Most of the funds went to cash assistance for transport drivers, while a portion was allocated to distressed OFWs. The agency reported an 86-percent utilization rate, supported by streamlined payout systems and digital beneficiary monitoring.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-7 utilized 98 percent of its P25.81-million allocation, reaching nearly 30,000 beneficiaries. Assistance included support for transport operators and drivers through the TUPAD Tuloy-Pasada program, as well as subsidized rice for minimum wage earners.

Meanwhile, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)-7 implemented programs funded by P16.25 million, including medical, burial, emergency, and reintegration assistance for OFWs.

Other agencies also rolled out support measures.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA)-7 introduced policies to soften the impact of rising shipping costs, while the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-7 intensified price monitoring and financing support for small businesses. The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)-7 launched skills training programs for returning migrant workers, and the Department of Tourism (DOT)-7 assisted more than 1,000 tourism workers through emergency employment initiatives.

At the local level, the Cebu Provincial Government provided assistance to more than 8,000 beneficiaries through rice, transport, and livelihood programs. Tagbilaran City extended support to around 27,000 households, drivers, and fisherfolk, while Talisay City assisted over 400 residents from vulnerable sectors.

DEPDev-7 Regional Director Jennifer Bretaña said the newly adopted Central Visayas Regional Uplift Response Framework will guide the region's response to economic disruptions by focusing on livelihood protection, affordable energy, food security, and community resilience.

RDC Chairperson and Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro stressed the need for coordinated action, emphasizing that government programs must translate into tangible improvements in people's daily lives and long-term economic stability.(MyTVCebu)