Google map of Camiguin Island province.
DAVAO CITY – At least PHP3 million worth of salaries were distributed to beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in Camiguin province on Friday.
Officials of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Mayor Yñigo Jesus Romualdo led the payouts to some 500 beneficiaries in the town of Mambajao.
"The DOLE manifested their gratitude for the continuous support to their programs and projects," Romualdo said in a Facebook post.
DOLE officials led by Undersecretaries Felipe Egargo Jr. and Benjo Santos Benavides also provided livelihood assistance to the Mahinog municipality’s market vendors association amounting to PHP150,000 that will benefit 28 members.
More TUPAD beneficiaries
Meanwhile, in Maramag town, Bukidnon province, a total of PHP1.6 million were also distributed to beneficiaries through the program.
DOLE 10-Bukidnon Provincial Director Raul Valmores said each beneficiary received PHP3,900 as payment for their 10-day community work.
"TUPAD aims to improve the quality of workers’ physical living conditions by providing emergency employment for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers," he said in a statement.
Valmores said TUPAD is being implemented through direct administration or accredited co-partners about worker organizations of national government agencies and local government units that have met DOLE accreditation requirements.
A beneficiary, Merlita Barredo, 63, of Barangay San Miguel, Maramag, said TUPAD helped her earn additional income, especially since she is a person with a disability.
"DOLE has been helpful to me. This program helps people like me. It gave me a chance to take part despite my disability," she said. (PNA)
