Typhoon Mawar— it was a category 4 storm experienced by the entire island; still, its impact varied among residents. For many, they lost utilities—for others, their homes, and for some, even their jobs.

As recovery remains underway, there’s still work needed to get done, and people eager to do the leg work.

The Government of Guam is now looking to tackle both issues at once—recruiting 398 workers to assist with disaster recovery

Director of the Department of Labor, Dave Dell’Isola explained the details. 

“National Dislocated Workers Program—which we put in for $10.2 million —we put in the allotment of 4.5 million," he said. 

Through the new program, hundreds of jobs are now waiting to be filled.

“This is gonna be for 398 laborers and community program aides to be stationed out at the mayors, to be stationed also at Parks and Rec, EPA, Civil Defense, and Public Works," Dell'Isola said. 

As FEMA and Red Cross assistance slowly move out— employment opportunities are opening, ranging from aiding in food distribution, hazard mitigation, and rebuilding shelter.

“Pay is anywhere between $11 to $15 an hour," Dell'Isola said. 

But as the island enters the fifth week post-Mawar, should GovGuam have had enough personnel to assist already? We asked island resident Patricia Babauta.

“It’s something that should’ve been looked at ahead of time with all of their meetings that they had before the storm—I think the fifth week into it is a little too late," she said. 

But Dell’Isola assures the community—this was done in record time.

“We had to apply for this–after the president gave the declaration of disaster for the individual assistance, we were able to apply," he said. "We had to assess what our damages were, the duration, and how many workers we were gonna need. So we had to package that whole thing up–we turned that in within a week after the typhoon.” 

As for whether or not this is a long-term employment solution, Dell'Isola said, “Employment is covering a six-month period–and if anything needs more than that, then we can extend. But, six months should be plenty of time to do the hazard mitigation and all the recovery work that’s needed from the typhoon—so this will just be for the duration of that period.” 

Still, along with Babuata, some community members say temporary or not, it is helpful nonetheless.

“Things like this still provide active income for someone or anyone that needs the money –cause people did lose their jobs," Damen Borja shared. 

For more information about eligibility, those interested can visit their mayor's office or visit dol.guam.gov.