BONTOC, Mountain Province – Sixty-four beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) recently received their wages amounting to P5, 250.00 each on November 30, 2021, at the Mayor’s Conference Hall of the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
According to Labor and Employment Officer II Jenelyn Caluza of the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU), the beneficiaries are trained local tour guides, parents, and students from Barangays Balili, Bayyo, Alab Proper, Tocucan, and Mainit.
The tour guides were tasked to clean pathways leading to the tourist attractions in their barangays while some parents and students extended their assistance for the construction of the Makeshift Building of Mainit National High School.
Senior Labor Employment Officer Marshal Pachingel of DOLE-Provincial Office remarked that the safety and health of the beneficiaries are given priority.
“We are thankful for the safe and good health of our workers. It is our hope that more TUPAD funds will be given next year to provide more benefits for the people,” he added.
In response, the beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the DOLE, Bontoc LGU, and partner government agencies for providing them an opportunity to work.
Likewise, Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey expressed his gratitude to the DOLE and partner agencies for providing short-term employment to displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers which are of big help to augment their income.
“The wages they received shall augment in the financial needs of their families especially this trying time,” Odsey added.
DOLE- TUPAD Program 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 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries who were unvaccinated participated in the Bayanihan, Bakunahan National COVID19 Vaccination Days at the Municipal Capitol Auditorium.
By Christy Mae Che-es & Alpine L. Killa
