BINANGONAN, Rizal (PIA) – A total of 847 individuals from 16 barangays in Talim Island in the town of Binangonan in Rizal benefitted from the Employment Assistance to Our Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Tupad offers temporary employment for displaced workers, underemployed individuals, and seasonal workers. The engagement lasts a minimum period of 10 days.

Most in this batch of beneficiaries were first time in the program. 

Renato Piado, 59, an on-call mason and resident of Barangay Buhangin, said the program had a positive effect for him and his family. 

"This income that we will get is a big help for us and our family and it will also be an additional capital for my wife who sells snacks," said Piado.

"Participating in Tupad is a big thing and a big help to us," he added.

According to DOLE Calabarzon Assistant Regional Director and head of the Rizal Provincial Office, Marion Sevilla, workers under the program would receive P5,200.00 for their 10 days of community service.

“Once the 10 days are completed, they will receive the full amount, and they are not obligated to give any part or percentage to anyone in exchange for their participation in Tupad,” Sevilla said.

Talim Island, the largest island in Laguna Lake, is abundant with bamboo making its harvesting and production of furniture and handicrafts from the crop the primary source of income for locals. Fishery from the lake and cultivation of fish pens comes second data from the municipality revealed. (MBL/PIA-Rizal)