By Mariela Angella Oladive
In line with the celebration of the 122nd Labor Day this coming May 1, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6 is set to distribute a total of P218,949,364.25 in cash assistance and grants across Western Visayas.
The aid, which is part of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Project (DILP), is aimed at supporting 36,053 beneficiaries in the region.
DOLE-6 Regional Director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez announced that the distribution will occur at 33 payout sites on Labor Day, with some offsite distribution already taking place from April 15 and set to continue until May 15.
“This is the highest payout [the department has conducted] involving hundreds of millions,” remarked Rodriguez.
Of the total distribution, P157,177,440 will be allocated to 32,969 beneficiaries through the TUPAD program, which is a community-based safety net providing temporary employment to underemployed, self-employed, or displaced workers from the informal sectors.
The employment period ranges from a minimum of 10 days to a maximum of 90 days, offering a much-needed source of income for many families.
Additionally, the DILP program, which offers assistance through grants to individuals or groups, will distribute P61,771,924.25 among 3,084 beneficiaries in various provinces in Western Visayas with the following allocations:
– Aklan: P1.8 million
– Antique: P10.4 million
– Capiz: P11.7 million
– Guimaras: P2.061 million
– Iloilo: P23.1 million
– Negros Occidental: P12 million
These allocations demonstrate DOLE’s commitment to supporting disadvantaged workers and fostering economic recovery in the region.
The simultaneous distribution of TUPAD assistance and DILP grants underscores the government’s focus on reinforcing social protection and providing sustainable income sources to bolster the socio-economic landscape of the region.
The distribution aligns with the broader objective of enhancing employment prospects and addressing the needs of marginalized workers.
As Western Visayas prepare for Labor Day celebrations, these programs are set to make a significant positive impact on the lives of thousands of workers and their families.
