Polomolok, South Cotabato- In its bid to curb the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic to the youth sector and displaced workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 12 facilitated the release of P1,189,000.00 wages under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged (TUPAD) workers program to three hundred-ten (310) youth and affected workers of Dole Philippines Incorporated at Barangay Cannery Gym, this municipality on 18 June 2021.

No less than the DOLE Assistant Secretary Victor Del Rosario handed over the control numbers of remittance partner as proof of claims for assistance to beneficiaries together with RD Raymundo Agravante, ARD Arlene Bisnon, Mayor Honey Lumayag-Matti, and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation President April Dave Sorioso.

Of the 310 beneficiaries, 220 were from the SK of Polomolok and 90 displaced workers of Dole Phil Inc. The working youth received wages amounting to P3,360.00 equivalent to 10-days work period and P5,000.00 for the latter, respectively.

As part of continuing convergence programs of the national government agencies during this pandemic, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistant Secretary for Mindanao Affairs Jade Jamolod awarded P3,000.00 cash assistance and food packs to all recipients.

Also, the Office of Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go rewarded TUPAD payout beneficiaries with free safety kits (vitamins, face masks and shields). Lucky individuals also went home with brand new mountain bikes, computer tablets, and rubber shoes through a raffle.

On the same date, the Department also awarded the P1,029,661.00 DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program check for sixty-one (61) beneficiaries of Barangay Local Government Unit-Cannery. Present during the awarding of Kabuhayan check was Barangay Captain Antonio Octavio.

“The Labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello, III reminds beneficiaries to be creative and innovative in using the assistance as start-up capital in small businesses, to be of help with the government by following minimum health protocols, be vaccinated, and above all strengthened resiliency and trust to God that Filipino workers could surpass the challenge brought about by the pandemic,” conveyed ASec Del Rosario. End/CDGamboa/OMSaltiga