- MITCH M. LIPA
The Department of Labor and Employment distributed more than P16 million in cash assistance, under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating mga Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) workers program in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental Nov. 9.
DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III led the distribution at the Negros Residences and at Forest Park Water Garden Resort in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City.
Bello said financial assistance for nine livelihood projects was released, including P1 million for the Sulong sa Kauswagan, or provision of basic household commodities through a consumer store; P800,000 for Barangay Poblacion 1 in Hinigaran for the purchase of motor bancas;
Another P1 million each for the Macarben Cooperative for the rice, fertilizer, and poultry feeds supply, Barangay Haba in Candoni for the agricultural inputs of the farmers, Barangay East Poblacion Candoni for agricultural inputs and business enterprise, Barangay Carabalan in Himamaylan City for a goat-raising program, and to the Santa Rosa Murcia Small Farmers Association for its rice and fertilizer trading program.
Bello also distributed P500,000 each to Barangay Tabu in Ilog for agricultural inputs and to farmers of Barangay Rizal in San Carlos City for rice and fertilizer retailing.
He was assisted by Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator Hans Leo Cacdac in the distribution of the TUPAD assistance.
Meanwhile, 3rd District Congressman Francisco Benitez witnessed the distribution of P1.5 million in assistance to beneficiaries in Metro Third.
The DOLE also released P3.8 million to beneficiaries in the 4th District, and P2.4 million in the 5th District.
A total of 1,571 beneficiaries from the three districts each received P4,500.
Bello also assured congressmen of Negros Occidental of P10 million each of TUPAD assistance in the 2022 budget of the DOLE.
The offices of Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer were assured P20 million in assistance each, and Bello said project proposals and the list of beneficiaries should be submitted so that funds can be released.
Meanwhile, more than 200 Bacolodnons also received financial assistance from Bello under the TUPAD program, in the ceremony attended by Mayor Evelio Leonardia and other officials.
He said TUPAD is an emergency employment that provides work opportunities for displaced, seasonal, and underemployed workers for 10 to 15 days.
About 140 residents of Barangay Taculing and 50 from Barangay 29 were granted P4,500 each, and the payment of their wages were coursed through a money remittance service provider “to ensure standard application across all regions in terms of mechanics and service fee costs”.
Bacolod recipients will receive the amount via M Lhullier.
The DOLE also has a livelihood assistance program that gives “negosyo” carts, bicycles, and cellphones with P1,000 load to beneficiaries, he added in a press release from the city.
Thirteen recipients of the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay program of the OWWA also received checks worth P20,000 each, while 14 beneficiaries accepted P30,000 in educational subsidy under the agency’s Tabang OFW program.
Bello also presented the 12 jobseekers who were hired for placement abroad during the Hired On The Spot (HOTS) online job fair, spearheaded by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration Nov. 6. — Mitch M. Lipa
