The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided emergency employment to 3,940 residents from Iloilo City’s 92 barangays through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD).
Facilitated by the office of Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda, DOLE has allocated P25 million for the selected workers tasked to undertake cleanup activities in their respective barangays.
“We know life is so hard these days. We looked for ways to help our people,” Baronda said in an interview.
The 15-day cash-for-work emergency employment began on June 13 and they will be paid based on the P395 daily minimum wage in Western Visayas.
They have also been provided with a long-sleeved shirt, hat, and face mask plus accident insurance under the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
“We hope the beneficiaries will solve some of their concerns through this program,” the congresswoman added.
She thanked Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III for making possible the implementation of the TUPAD in the city.
She said there would be another batch for the cash-for-work program. Those interested are advised to coordinate with their barangay captains.
On June 17, Baronda’s office also facilitated the release of PHP715,000 for 143 members of the Iloilo Artists Festival Association under the Covid-19 Adjustment Measures Program (CAMP) of DOLE.
“The tourism industry is among the sectors that have been severely affected by Covid-19. And while many of those who belong to this sector displayed their creativity by mounting events that meet the health protocols, sadly it is not enough to provide them with the means to meet their needs,” she said.PNA
Photo by Jake Mendoza
