OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental (PIA)--The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-10 through its Misamis Occidental Provincial Field Office paid-out 241 marginalized workers of Plaridel Municipality worth P879,600 under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), March 2 at Barangay Calacaan covered court of Plaridel, here.

DOLE-10 Mis. Occ. PFO Chief Ebba B. Acosta said the underprivileged beneficiaries engaged in a ten-day community disinfection and sanitation project and were compensated with P3,650 salary, each.

They ensured that the public places in their barangay like the market and park were cleaned in order to prevent the virus from spreading, especially in this time of pandemic.

Tricycle driver beneficiary Julito Haguen said, “Panalagsa ra gyud ko makadawat ug hinabang ug nalipay kaayo ko kay kulang kaayo akong kita sa pamasahero hilabina ug mag-lockdown, perting lisoda gyud. Malibog ko aha magkuha ug kwarta para ipalit pagkaon sa balay. Mapasalamaton kaayo ko niabot ni diri sa among dapit ning TUPAD. Kaning kwartaha makapalit ko ani ug tambal sa akong inahan nga buta ug pang-maintenance niya kada-adlaw.”

[It is not often that I get help like this, and I am much grateful because my earnings from driving are insufficient, especially during lockdowns. I cannot think of ways to make ends meet to buy food for the family. I am grateful now that TUPAD was able to reach our barangay. This support will help me to purchase medications for my blind mother, as well as for her everyday needs.]

Acosta said TUPAD may not be a permanent solution, but it has touched thousands of lives and assisted them in whatever way imaginable.

TUPAD is a component of the Department of Labor's Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), which assists displaced and underprivileged workers in obtaining temporary employment. It is a community-based package of assistance that gives emergency employment to displaced employees, underemployed workers, and seasonal workers for a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of 90 days, depending on the nature of the activity to be done. (DOLE-10 Misamis Occidental/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental))