The labor department continues to accelerate the provision of employment support for informal workers in Northern Mindanao as it recently undertook a five-day cash payouts of its flagship TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) in the region.
Around 1,558 workers benefited from the cash turnover events held in Plaridel town in Misamis Occidental.
The beneficiaries from 33 barangays of Plaridel, each received a salary of P6,000 each as payment for services rendered for 16 days. They were also provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), GSIS insurance, and other supplies.
In Lanao del Norte, informal workers were provided with PhP1.5M worth of livelihood grants under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP). Specifically, 21 informal workers and 4 organizations benefited from the latest DILP undertaking.
Some of the beneficiaries received DOLE livelihood starter kits, worth P20,000.00 each, mostly for sari-sari stores, balut vending and hog raising.
Also, 4 workers’ associations received capital financial assistance ranging from P200,000 to P300,000 for the establishment of projects that include making of binisayang kakanin; fish-cage bangus; swine and hog production; and tilapia culture projects.
“Our deepest gratitude goes to the labor department for giving us the chance of receiving such wonderful gifts. Not everyone is given the opportunity to receive livelihood assistance, and we will do our utmost efforts to make these projects grow. These will help us financially and, at the same time, gain the trust of our government that we are willing to give our part in taking a step toward change and development through this program,” said Michelle Orquillas, a beneficiary of the program.
For her part, Governor Imelda Dimaporo told the beneficiaries: “This livelihood assistance can substantially assist you in reclaiming your livelihood that were affected by the pandemic. May you put it to good use so that it can grow and expand and help you and your families improve your financial circumstances in this new normal.” (DOLE)-rir
