By Connie Calipay | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 5 (Bicol) has disbursed more than P14.5 million for the wages and personal protective equipment of Camarines Sur residents through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.
In a media release on Wednesday (Nov. 27), DOLE-5 Regional Director Imelda Gatinao said the payout benefited 3,463 typhoon-affected workers across various municipalities in a series of payouts within this month.
The beneficiaries were from the towns of Lupi (603 beneficiaries); Milaor (719); Pasacao (271); San Fernando (204); Bombon (107); Canaman (662); Sangay (271), and San Jose (626).
She said that through its Camarines Sur Provincial Office, DOLE-Bicol has allocated a budget of P210 million for the emergency employment program, providing much-needed relief to typhoon-affected residents across the province.
Gatinao said each TUPAD beneficiary participated in community rehabilitation efforts, including clearing operations, sanitizing public spaces, and other essential cleanup activities. Each worker received P3,950 for 10 days of service.
She also underscored the importance of community participation in achieving sustainable recovery.
“Through the TUPAD program, we aim not only to meet the immediate needs of those affected by the typhoon but also to give them an opportunity to earn while helping to rebuild their community. We will continue to deliver this program to ensure the quick and collective recovery of each affected family,” she said.
Gatinao assured the beneficiaries of DOLE’s continued support and expressed gratitude to all partners who helped implement TUPAD.
The TUPAD program offers emergency employment for disadvantaged workers, enabling them to engage in community work for 10 to 30 days.
