LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) -- Around 2,500 workers from Polangui Albay are set to receive P5,200 each as TUPAD program beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

DOLE Bicol Information Officer Johanna Vi Gasga said the P13 million check allotted for the salaries of TUPAD workers for their community work has been turned over earlier this month to the Liga ng mga Barangay Polangui, Inc as accredited co-partner of DOLE Bicol.

The first batch of beneficiaries, comprised of 2,200 workers from the 44 barangays in Polangui town started their 16-day work program for the clean-up drive in their communities.

The remaining 300 beneficiaries for the second batch, coming from 10 barangays will be doing clean-up drive and community gardening for 15 days.

TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (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.

“Prior to one’s actual engagement in employment, the beneficiary will be provided with the basic orientation on safety and health, personal protective equipment (PPE) and enrolment in group micro-insurance, to be included in the total project cost or as a counterpart of the ACP/LGU, and TUPAD ID,” Gasga said.

Also, the beneficiary should signify intention to avail of skills training to prepare towards self or wage employment after the project.

“The payment of wages of the TUPAD beneficiaries is coursed through a money remittance service provider to ensure standard application across all regions in terms of mechanics and service fee costs,” Gasga added.

In cases where an accredited co-partner is involved in the implementation, the ACP and LGUs shall facilitate the payment of wages of the TUPAD beneficiaries using a prescribed payroll, with representatives from DOLE as witnesses.(SAA/PIA5/Albay/DOLE5)