MANILA -- The labor department recently provided livelihood assistance of P157 million to thousands of informal workers in Zamboanga peninsula as it intensifies implementation of its flagship program, the Tulong Panghanabuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program or TUPAD.

"The purpose of my visit here is to bring the help of the government to our countrymen in Zamboanga Peninsula, especially those who lost their jobs and livelihoods. President Duterte told me that the funds of DOLE are money of the people, that's why you give it back to the people '', Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said, as he led the distribution of wages to beneficiaries in Pagadian City and Zamboanga City last week.

Specifically, Bello distributed P25 milion to 5,129 workers in Zamboanga del Sur, P70 million to 20,844 workers in Zamboanga City, P25.6 million to 5,018 beneficiaries in Zamboanga del Norte, P24.4 million to 7,202 workers in Isabela, Basilan and P4 million to 1,119 workers in Zamboanga Sibugay. Beneficiaries received wages of around Php5,000 rendering community work for 15 days.  

"Bien grande gayot este ayuda canamon especialmente ara cae pandemic. Ta rindi io gracias con Sec Bebot Bello y Tambien maga oficiales de gobyerno. Grande este cantidad para canamon.  (This is such a huge help to us in the time of pandemic. I thank Sec Bebot Bello and the government officials. This is a huge amount for us.)," shared Leslie Suali, a TUPAD beneficiary.

"Bueno gayot este maam cae ya pwede ayuda canaton este TUPAD. Puede came usa el cen para na familia mientras pandemic cae nuay kita trabaho ahora. Grande ayuda este canamon. (It's very good that TUPAD was able to help us. I can use the amount to provide for my family during the time of the pandemic since I am unemployed as of the moment.)," said Miguel Rodeo, another TUPAD beneficiary.

TUPAD 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 a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.  (DOLE)

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