Sagñay mayor belies fake news on cash aid

SAGÑAY, Camarines Sur--- The local chief executive of this town confirmed that the cash aids under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have already been distributed to their recipients contrary to the fake news reports circulated by his political rivals.

The confirmation came after Sagñay mayor Jovi Fuentebella belied the video posted on Facebook (FB) showing him, Rep. Arnie Fuentebella, and a member of Anti-Crime Task Force barring the entry at a checkpoint of employees of the provincial government tasked to distribute the financial assistance to displaced workers of the coastal town.

The provincial government of Camarines led by Gov. Migz Villafuerte facilitated the release and distribution of the TUPAD cash assistance in partnership with the DOLE.

TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be done.

In a video message posted on his FB page, Fuentebella announced the distribution of the cash aids, which were received by some 2,000 Sagñayons.

He said each recipient received P3,100 cash inside an envelope with a picture of a politician. Fuentebella did not mention the identity of the politician, saying that the present crisis should be beyond politics.

He thanked the employees of the provincial capitol for their efforts and in implementing social distancing during the cash distribution.

Fuentebella, however requested the capitol personnel to coordinate in advance with the local government in case of future aid distribution for the convenience of beneficiaries.

“Pakiolayan ko na mag-coordinate sa masunod tanganing matabangan ta an mga tawo na dae na magbaklay o magsuno sa motor para lang makaabot sa clustered venue kan payout” he said.