CASH AID. Representatives from the musicians and masseurs receive cash assistance from the office of Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte on Wednesday (Dec. 2, 2020). In collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the lawmaker's office released assistance to blind masseurs, musicians, and former staff of hotels, restaurants, and bars in the city. (Photo courtesy of Davao City 1st Dist. Rep. Paolo 'Pulong' Duterte's office)
DAVAO CITY – Around 785 marginalized and displaced workers in the first district received their “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) cash assistance at the office of Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo "Pulong" Duterte on Wednesday.
In collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the presidential son's office released assistance to blind masseurs, musicians, and former staff of hotels, restaurants, and bars in the city.
“They received PHP6,000 aid from their 15-day work through the TUPAD. They are among the workers affected by the global crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic,” he said in a statement Thursday.
Fely Encinares, an officer of a local musician group Samahan ng mga Musikero sa Davao Inc. (Samadhi), said since the start of the quarantine due to the pandemic, musicians have to stop their engagements and search for other sources of income.
Duterte said the TUPAD distribution is just a kick start for this month.
“Aside from the blind masseurs, musicians, and former hotel, restaurant, and bar staff, over 23,000 marginalized and displaced workers will be provided with the same assistance in the coming week,” he said.
There will also be around 3,000 beneficiaries who will receive their livelihood assistance this month from the lawmaker in coordination with the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Duterte’s office earlier said the distribution of either cash and/or food, and livelihood assistance focused on the “poorest of the poor” and workers who are directly affected by the pandemic from the 54 barangays of the first district. (PNA)
