PAYOUT. Worker-beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Central Luzon receive their wages after their 10-day work in an undated photo. The DOLE Region III has released some PHP45 million to 10,375 worker-beneficiaries in the region since the enhanced community quarantine started on March 17, 2020. (Photo by DOLE-Region 3)
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office here has released PHP45.03 million to 10,375 informal sector workers in Central Luzon since the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed last March 17.
The cash assistance is under the DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), a community-based livelihood program that aims to provide displaced, seasonal, underemployed workers and other marginalized individuals with alternative employment.
In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, DOLE designed TUPAD Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko! #BKBK Disinfecting/Sanitation Project with similar implementation to the regular TUPAD but adopting the guidelines of the ECQ.
DOLE Regional Director Ma. Zenaida Angara-Campita said in a statement on Monday that aside from the regular funds of TUPAD, more than PHP80 million, in addition, was allocated to benefit 18,837 informal sector workers in the region.
“Of the 10,375 workers, 5,697 workers completed their work prior to the ECQ in Luzon. The remaining 4,678 workers rendered 10 days of work under TUPAD #BKBK. Both were paid during the ECQ,” Campita said.
Payment of wages is both on-site/direct payment and thru money remittance centers, whichever is most applicable.
Out of the total of 10,375 worker-beneficiaries, 3,616 were from Aurora, 2,004 were from Bataan, 1,559 were from Pampanga, 959 were from Bulacan, 947 were from Tarlac, 839 were from Nueva Ecija, and 451 were from Zambales.
“Ongoing pa itong programang ito (This program is ongoing). Once their documentary requirements are complete, beneficiaries immediately start their 10 days of work then payment follows,” Campita said.
As per Department Order No. 210 s. 2020, the duration of work under the TUPAD #BKBK program is limited to 10 days, for which worker-beneficiaries in the region received PHP420 per day. (PNA)
