DOLE doles out P1.6 M cash aid to 361 workers

To help vulnerable workers recover from the adverse impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, over P1.6 million in assistance were distributed to 361 beneficiaries in the province of Camarines Sur under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol recently.

DOLE Bicol Regional Director Ma. Zenaida A. Angara-Campita in partnership with the 1st District Congressional Office led the distribution of wages to the beneficiaries.

Some 361 TUPAD recipients from 11 barangays in Sipocot, Camarines Sur trooped to three different sites such as Barangays Impig, Calabangan and Taisan where the ceremonial payouts of cash assistance were held.

DOLE flagship program, TUPAD, continues to bring emergency employment assistance to chosen beneficiaries from Barangay Azucena, Calabangan, Impig, Lipilip, Mangapo, Mantila, Salanda, San Isidro, San Vicente, South Villazar, and Taisan in the town of Sipocot.

A total amount of P4,650 minimum wage was received by each worker 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 barangay officials.

Also, they were provided with masks, face shields, and personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect them from the dreaded Covid-19.

TUPAD program is highly implemented by DOLE not only in the province of Camarines Sur but also regionwide hoping to ease financial impacts to affected workers brought about by the ongoing pandemic.

“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,” said Mary Rose Peñaflorida, one of the beneficiaries from Barangay Azucena.

Evangeline Matos, another 50-year-old recipient from Barangay Impig 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.”

Meanwhile,Campita said DOLE is always ready to assist and help Bicolanos especially those who are most in need. (With a report from Athena M. Florida and Angelica G. Collantes)