The Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” H. Bello III led the distribution of DOLE financial aid in Davao del Sur on September 25-26, 2021.
Some 123 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers Program (TUPAD) in Digos, Davao del Sur each received P3,960.00 after completing a 10-day community work. Sec. Bello personally handed over the wages of the TUPAD beneficiaries.
“I am here to bring to the people the assistance that is allocated to them. And I am happy to see that you are happy because the people of Davao are close to my heart, as I used to live here for 25 years. Every effort is being made to reach all those who need our assistance especially in this tough time,” Secretary Bello said in his speech.
The Secretary also awarded a Certificate of Entitlement worth P1,779,088.00 to Gov. Marc Douglas IV C. Cagas for the implementation of TUPAD in Digos City. Said entitlement is allotted to 443 beneficiaries. Moreover, a financial assistance worth P20,000.00 each was awarded to three (3) unfinished distressed OFWs under the Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay (BPBH) program of the department.
The following day in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur, Sec. Bello awarded two (2) checks and an entitlement, with a total amount of P36,565,152.00 for 5,825 beneficiaries, to the Provincial Government Unit of Davao de Oro, Local Government Units of Pantukan and Montevista. Another entitlement worth P50,066,600.00 was awarded to the Philippine Councilors League. These aids are for the implementation of TUPAD in their respective areas.
Another OFW and an association of OFWs in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur were given assistance worth P20,000 and P250,000.00 respectively by OWWA Administrator Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
OIC-Regional Director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy thanked the Secretary for recognizing DOLE XI’s implementation of TUPAD across the region. “This would not have been possible if not for the joint efforts and commitment of our implementers, coordinators, partners, and stakeholders. We will continue to everything we possibly can to deliver our programs and services to the Filipinos.”
Present during the activities were Undersecretary Renato L. Ebarle, Bureau of Workers with Special Concern Director Atty. Karen P. Trayvilla, DOLE XI Senior Officers, Provincial Officials of Davao Region, and Local Chief Executives of Davao del Sur and Davao de Oro.
