The labor department has ramped up its assistance program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), benefitting underprivileged and disadvantaged workers in Manila and Muntinlupa towards the weekend.
Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III led another payout and distribution of livelihood starter kits to 498 informal worker-beneficiaries in Tondo, Manila on Friday, Oct. 22.
Bello also visited Muntinlupa on Saturday (Oct. 23) with other DOLE officials to set off emergency employment for hundreds of displaced informal workers in the city.
“Batid namin ang inyong hirap ngayong pandemya kaya naman nandito ang DOLE para agad na umagapay,” Bello said during the distribution of wages and awarding of Nego-Karts under the DOLE flagship program, TUPAD in Varona, Tondo, Manila.
He visited Barangay 95 in Tondo, Manila to personally distribute the wages of 498 worker-beneficiaries of TUPAD.
“We are here to assure of the government’s concern for your welfare. We have fast-tracked the provision of financial and livelihood assistance to cushion your inability to provide for yourselves in these critical times,” Bello said.
The Labor Chief said that President Rodrigo Duterte ordered him to respond to those who have been affected by the pandemic through the programs and services of DOLE.
“President Duterte said that these are government funds and we at DOLE should provide for our people in need through our programs. I received instructions from the President to directly give you these packages of assistance to help you cushion the impact brought by the pandemic,” Bello added.
In addition to the payment of wages, Bello also awarded Nego-Kart livelihood starter kits to chosen beneficiaries from the Manila and Muntinlupa barangays.
Also highlighting the visits, Bello distributed bicycle and cellphone packages to members of the LGBT community, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and those with medical conditions. Each package comes with a cellphone with P5,000 worth of load which they can use to start their business. (DOLE) – bny
