TUPAD (Tulong sa Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) beneficiaries proved to be the all-season community workers who could provide services for any occasions in different places.
The municipal cemetery of Maasin in Iloilo Province was at its best during the All Saint’s Day and All Souls’ Day Celebration after TUPAD beneficiaries took time in tidying up the area in preparation for the activities.
Some 185 informal workers from all barangays gathered to render community service to make relatives and friends feel comfortable while paying respect to their departed ones.
Part of their work is the segregation and disposal of biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes and the clearing of pathways and the vicinity of the cemetery.
The services rendered by the beneficiaries is worth more than the Php4,500.00 wages each worker received for a 10-day community service. “Naipakita naman natin yung pagmamahal sa ating mga yumaong mahal sa buhay sa pamamagitan ng TUPAD,” observed Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr., Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-6 regional director.
“TUPAD does not only provide financial support, but also filled our hearts with joy. Giving respect to our departed ones in any way is part of our culture that brings happiness to us,” said RD Rodriguez.
A total of Php1 million was set aside for the workers’ pay.
