Over 10 million-peso worth of cash-for-work wage was distributed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to some 2,400 displaced workers from the towns of San Jose Del Monte (SJDM), San Miguel, San Ildefonso, and San Rafael in Bulacan over the weekend.
DOLE Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III, together with Bulacan local executives, led the distribution of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) wage to the workers, including livelihood bicycle kits to some 200 beneficiaries who belong to more vulnerable sectors.
“While only temporary, we hope that TUPAD help ease your burden during this difficult time,” Bello III said, vowing that DOLE will bring more employment and livelihood opportunities to the province of Bulacan in the coming months.
Based on the province’s prevailing wage rate, each beneficiary received P4,200 for 10 days of community service, which includes planting, street sweeping, and other economic community projects, in their respective localities.
Bello also reminded the program recipients to be wary against scammers and ensure that they will receive the full amount of their hard-earned salaries.
Aside from wages, some 200 beneficiaries who belong to more vulnerable sectors also received livelihood bicycle kits from the labor department.
“Each bicycle unit comes with a helmet, raincoat, water bottle, thermal bag, and an Android mobile phone with P5,000 worth of load (electronic payment application) to help you start your delivery or food service business,” the DOLE chief explained.
Select beneficiaries of the livelihood kits are informal women workers, solo parents, persons with disabilities, youth workers, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning community whose previous livelihoods have suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Local chief executives of Bulacan also expressed their thanks to the labor department for supporting pandemic-displaced workers through its several social amelioration programs.
“We thank DOLE for bringing TUPAD to Bulacan, which provided a temporary yet a huge relief to our people,” Bulacan 4th District Representative Lorna Silverio said during her speech.
SJDM Representative Rida Robes also commended DOLE’s relief programs recognizing their vital role in the local government’s poverty alleviation efforts during the pandemic. (DOLE) – bny
