The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 5 (Bicol) has started the distribution of the PHP30.8 million cash-for-work wages under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to workers-beneficiaries affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami).

In a statement Friday, DOLE-Bicol director Imelda Gatinao said the distribution of wages under the government’s emergency employment program started on Oct. 28 and will run until Nov. 5, excluding Nov. 1 to 3.

The initial payouts amounting to PHP30.83 million were awarded to 7,249 affected workers-beneficiaries at designated venues across the municipalities of Albay, Camarines Sur, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes from Oct. 29 to 30.

She said each beneficiary, who performed various community development projects, including cleanup drives, community-based farming initiatives, planting of disaster-resilient crops, and relief goods repacking, received a salary of PHP395 per day depending on the rendered days at work.

The first payout on Oct. 29 was conducted simultaneously in Camalig, Albay, where 818 beneficiaries received their salaries amounting to PHP3.2 million; in Lupi, Camarines Sur, 240 beneficiaries (PHP948,000); San Jose, Camarines Sur, 248 beneficiaries (PHP979,600); San Fernando, Masbate, 384 beneficiaries (PHP3.03 million); Masbate City and Mandaon, 182 beneficiaries (PHP718,900); and San Miguel, Bato, and Virac in Catanduanes province, 107 beneficiaries (PHP422,650).

Another payout activity was simultaneously held on Oct. 30, in Camalig, Polangui, Tabaco City, Tiwi, Jovellar, Guinobatan, and Oas in Albay province, with 4,274 beneficiaries who received PHP16.8 million.

In Masbate City, 182 beneficiaries received wages amounting to PHP718,900; while 218 beneficiaries received PHP1.3 million worth of wages in Catanduanes.

In Bulusan, Bulan, Irosin, and Gubat in Sorsogon province, a total of 596 beneficiaries received PHP2.6 million in assistance.

The TUPAD Program provides temporary wage employment for 10 to 30 days of community work, particularly in times of disaster and calamities, enabling residents to contribute to improving and rehabilitating their respective communities.

The DOLE official assured that the government would continue to extend necessary assistance such as providing emergency employment under TUPAD to help workers and their families recover from the impact of any disaster or calamity. (PNA)