BOAC, Marinduque (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Mimaropa through its Marinduque Field Office employs 492 workers for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged (TUPAD) Program.

Among the beneficiaries are tricycle drivers, youth, and displaced workers from the municipalities of Boac, Gasan, Mogpog, Buenavista, and Sta. Cruz. This activity is being implemented  in collaboration with the Office of Senator Lito Lapid, Provincial Government of Marinduque, and Livelihood and Manpower Development-Public Employment Services Office (LMD-PESO).

Simultaneous orientation programs were conducted in various areas provincewide which highlighted the contract signing and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) which includes long sleeve shirts, cap, facemasks, and gloves. DOLE will also cover the accident insurance of these workers for one year. Each beneficiary will be receiving P355 per day of work, the prevailing minimum wage in the Mimamaropa Region.

Labor and Employment Officer Ken Aldrin Jalac explained to the beneficiaries that while at work, TUPAD coordinators will monitor their activities. He emphasized that there should be no deductions from their salary and warned against any dishonest people who tried to collect money from them, they should be reported to the DOLE Field Office immediately.

TUPAD or Emergency Employment Program is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed, and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 90 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed. (RAMJR/PIA-MIMAROPA)