ILOCOS SUR, July 4 (PIA) – Displaced and disadvantaged workers from five towns in this province will benefit from the emergency employment to be rolled out by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Ilocos, in partnership with respective local government units (LGUs) this July.

This, after the DOLE in Ilocos released checks for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program in the towns of Caoayan, Sinait, Magsingal, San Juan, and Suyo.

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 in Ilocos Regional Director Atty. Evelyn Ramos, along with Ilocos Sur Field Office headed by officer-in-charge Mary Antonette Avila, facilitated the turnover of TUPAD checks to LGU Caoayan amounting to P9,999,400; LGU Sinait with P6,310,400; LGU Magsingal with P3,046,400; LGU San Juan with P3,002,880 on June 29, 2021; and to LGU Suyo with P3,002,880 last June 30.

Said amount will be distributed as wages to 6,461 low-income and marginalized workers, after they complete the required days of labor services which include coastal and river clean- up; barangay cleaning and greening; and community disinfection and sanitation.

There are 552 workers in San Juan, 560 in Magsingal, and 552 in Suyo.

Each of them shall receive P5,440 after their 16-day service.

The 2,941 workers in Caoayan and 1,856 in Sinait shall each receive P3,400 upon completion of 10-day work.

Joining DOLE in the turnover ceremonies were Probinsyano Ako Party List Representative Jose Bonito Singson Jr.  and local officials namely Caoayan Mayor Germelina Goulart, Sinait Mayor Shee-an Guzman, Suyo Mayor Mario Subagan, and municipal councilors in San Juan and Magsingal.

Some barangay officials were also present.

The partner LGUs will cover the expenses for their respective TUPAD workers’ personal protective equipment like long-sleeved shirts, gloves and hats as well as their enrolment to micro-insurance for their protection while they go out in the field to work. (JCR/AMB/PIA Ilocos Sur with reports from DOLE)