The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental has identified 6,766 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) for this year, an official said on Friday.

Raizza Phoebe Rubia, information officer of the DOLE-Negros Oriental Field Office, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that of the total, 400 beneficiaries from this capital city will receive a partial payment of their wages during the May 1 Labor Day celebration.

“These 400 beneficiaries from Dumaguete City started their 20-day work on Friday, and will each be paid PHP550 a day or PHP11,000 for the whole duration of their temporary employment,” Rubia said.

They will receive seven days’ worth of wages at the TUPAD payout at Ninoy Aquino Freedom Park here.

The remainder of their wages will be paid in full after completing their 20-day work period.

Rubia said other TUPAD beneficiaries in ifferent partner local government units will begin their work assignments after the DOLE here fulfills requirements, such as insurance payment.

This is the first batch of TUPAD beneficiaries since the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR).

Last year, the beneficiaries were paid through the DOLE-Central Visayas while the NIR was still transitioning into a separate region, Rubia said.

TUPAD is a community-based, cash-for-work program providing 10 to 30 days of emergency employment to underemployed, seasonal or displaced workers.

The agency, in collaboration with its partners, has identified more sustainable community tasks such as community gardening, mangrove planting, tree planting and minor repairs of public facilities, such as community halls, Rubia said. (PNA)