ILOILO CITY (PIA) — A total of P5 – million worth of livelihood assistance was given to informal workers in Maasin town in Iloilo.
The P2- million was for Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program beneficiaries and the P3- million was intended for livelihood support.
The Labor Department handed in the assistance as the Municipality of Maasin celebrated its 106th Founding Anniversary on July 25.
During the program, DOLE 6 Director lawyer Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. lauded the leadership and the cooperation of the Maasinanons for the growth and development of the municipality in the past years and turned over the check to Mayor Francis A. Amboy.
“The assistance was in compliance with the directives of Sec. Benny E. Laguesma to bring the government closer to the people and touch the marginalized workers in the far-flung areas who are mostly unserved, underserved, and hard-to-reach sectors of the society,” said Rodriguez.
He also shared his feelings on the occasion as a moment to reflect on the achievements, challenges, and future prospects of the municipality.
Rodriguez also called on the people to be part of the change through fighting poverty by properly utilizing the programs and services of the government.
“My friends, the true essence of social justice is in action and practice, not just a mere legal principle,” Rodriguez added.
It could be noted that in 2023, DOLE 6 also provided P1.8 million assistance to the Maasin Bamboo Association to produce quality bamboo handicrafts and furniture that could come at par with the global standards and to preserve the ingenuity of the Maasinanons in bamboo handicraft-making. (AAL/AGP/PIA 6 with reports from DOLE 6)
