ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Jan 12 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-9, in partnership with local government of Isabela City de Basilan turned-over to Barangay Sunrise in Isabela City on Tuesday (Jan. 11), cheque amounting to P437,850 intended for the implementation of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

In an interview Ms. Marlyn Anoos, senior labor and employment officer and designated information officer of DOLE-Isabela City said the assistance is part of the initiative of Senator Joel Villanueva in implementing the TUPAD program as intervention to assist distressed workers in coping with the economic and social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ms. Anoos said only Barangay Sunrise accepted the challenge in Isabela City as BLGU partner to implement the TUPAD.

The TUPAD program will run for 10 days with 135 worker-beneficiaries, who will receive salary of P316 per day.

Beneficiaries are also entitled for 1 year accident insurance, the Group Personal Accident Insurance of GSIS.

Meanwhile, Isabela City PESO have also received cash incentive for bagging 3rd Place Choice of the Press Award under Component City Category during the DOLE Bayanihan Service Awards held on July 8 last year.

Atty. Roy Buenafe, regional director of DOLE-9 in his message, emphasized Isabela City de Basilan is the only local government unit in the region which completed and established the Barangay Employment Service Office in all of the 45 barangays.

Mayor Sitti-Djalia Turabin-Hataman expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the continued partnership and collaboration of different agencies and stakeholders, which helped Isabela City in coping-up and for healing and recovery initiatives from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She also acknowledged the effort of the Office of Senator Joel Villanueva and Congressman Mujiv Hataman who facilitated the process for the TUPAD Program in Isabela City. (RVC/EDT/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)