TACLOBAN CITY -- A total of P258,467,619 worth of various government assistance were distributed during the 121st Labor Day Celebration held at the Tacloban City Convention Center (Astrodome) on May 1.

Aside from the Job Fair and Kadiwa ng Pangulo para sa Manggagawa, also highlighted in the Labor Day commemoration in Region 8 was the awarding of grants to various local government units and other recipients.

Of the total amount awarded, P188,883,770 TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced workers) assistance was released to more than 70 local government units and barangay LGUs for the benefit of 48,944 displaced and marginalized workers. 

Meanwhile, 2,111 beneficiaries will soon be starting their businesses after a total of P56,940,829 livelihood grants was successfully awarded to more than 20 LGUs and BLGUs. 

In his labor day message, Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena underscored that the huge amount of assistance for the workers in Eastern Visayas is a testament to the administration’s effort in advancing the welfare of the Filipino workers.

“This is a clear manifestation of the administration’s thrust to uphold the welfare of every Filipino worker,” said Jalbuena.

Aside from the TUPAD and livelihood aid, payout of salaries and claims was likewise conducted during Labor Day.

The Employees Compensation Commission (ECC) distributed cheques amounting to P10,000 each to 130 claimants of the COVID-19 financial assistance, or a total of P1,300,000. Also, GIP stipends worth P7,093,020 was successfully paid to 1,093 interns.

Present to grace the Labor Day Commemorative Program at the Tacloban Astrodome were Atty. Anacleto Rei Lacanilao III representing Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, Alexis Yu representing Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez, and Rep. Philip Jude Acidre of the Tingog Party-list.

Both the labor and management sector representatives in the person of Bellsedaize C. Acaso, president of the Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative-Employees Union (SOLECO) and Christopher A. Garcia, Institutional Services Department manager of the Leyte II Electric Cooperative (LEYECO II), have given their solidarity messages during the event. (DOLE-8)