The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reportedly provided a total of 85.9 million in livelihood assistance for Boracay residents since the closure of the resort island, which began back in April.

Around 5,733 families have benefited from the Sustainable Livelihood Program, which seeks to provide economic opportunities through skills training, along with providing capital funding.

DSWD said beneficiaries will be monitored to ensure the funding is being utilized as intended.

In addition to livelihood assistance, the agency also set up a cash-for-work program.

Last May, DSWD-Region VI Director Rebecca Geamala announced local resident affected by the closure were eligible for various jobs, including digging, dredging, reforestation, pathway clearing, illegal structure demolition, debris clearing, garbage collection, support facilities installation, among other duties./WDJ