The Department of Labor and Employment’s regional office in Bicol Region continues to intensify the implementation of its flagship program, the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), benefitting thousands of displaced workers in the informal sector.
In Guinobatan, Albay, over P3.5 million in wages were disbursed to hundreds of displaced workers in a wage distribution ceremony held last Sept. 22 to 23 in Barangay Ofrasion Pavillion.
About 719 beneficiaries from 31 barangays received salaries amounting to P4,960 for rendering 16 days of various services to their respective communities. The work rendered includes sanitation, disinfection, and cleaning of their public areas and facilities.
Many of the beneficiaries were overjoyed upon receiving cash assistance from the labor department.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa tulong ng ating gobyerno na mula pa noong nagkaroon ng pandemic, mahirap po talaga na wala akong pinagkakakitaan kaya malaking tulong po ang TUPAD nakarating dito sa lugar namin, nakatulong siya sa gastusin mula noong nawalan po ako ng trabaho. Malaking tulong po ang TUPAD sa pangangailangan ng pamilya,” Romeo Villocino, one of the beneficiaries said.
In Sipocot, Camarines Sur, a separate round of wage distribution ceremony benefitted 361 beneficiaries from 11 barangays as they received total wages of P1.6 million under the TUPAD program.
Regional Director Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita led the wage distribution ceremony held last Sept. 15 in partnership with the 1st Congressional District Office.
Each of the beneficiaries, who are from Barangay Azucena, Calabangan, Impig, Lipilip, Mangapo, Mantila, Salanda, San Isidro, San Vicente, South Villazar, and Taisan, received a total amount of P4,650 after rendering 15-days at work that includes disinfection of their respective barangays, cleaning their surroundings, repairing their homes, parks, schools, and other tasks ordered by their designated officials. They were provided with masks, face shields, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect them from the Covid-19 virus.
“Magayon po na programa ang TUPAD, naka-tabang po samo na mga nawaran trabaho, dakulang bagay po na tabang sa panngasto mi sa aro-aldaw,” Mary Rose Peñaflorida, one of the beneficiaries from Barangay Azucena, said.
Evangeline Matos, another 50-year-old recipient from Barangay Impig, Sipocot, Camarines Sur expressed her gratitude upon receiving her TUPAD salary. She said, “Salamat po sa DOLE-TUPAD mabakal mi na su mga pangangaipo mi sa laog kan harong, dakula na tabang po ini.”
In Legazpi, Albay, on the other hand, the labor department’s regional office facilitated last Sept. 16 to 17 the signing of contracts with 419 beneficiaries of the TUPAD program.
The beneficiaries, from Barangays Maslog, Dapdap, Puro, Lamba, Arimbay, Bigaa, Bagong Abre, Dita, and San Joaquin, will be providing 10 days of work that include disinfection or sanitation of public facilities, de-clogging of canals, and beautification of their barangays. In return, each of them will be paid a total amount of P3,100 after completing the set work period.
RD Campita emphasized that the labor department is committed to providing effective temporary employment opportunities to needy workers in the region particularly to those who have lost their jobs or livelihood as a result of the pandemic. (DOLE) – bny
