Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro – Nearly 100 residents of Pinamalayan will have a source of income this October 2023, thanks to the partnership of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Social Amelioration and Genuine Intervention on Poverty (SAGIP) party list.

The beneficiaries will work under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, which provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers. They will receive P 350 per day for 10 days, doing various community projects such as street cleaning, debris clearing, and tree planting.

The 100 slots were allocated by Romel “Direk” Bernardo, a local businessman and associate of SAGIP party list, to Barangays Maningcol and Banilad. Bernardo said he coordinated with SAGIP Representative Rodante Marcoleta to secure the assistance for his townmates.

On Friday, some DOLE representatives conducted an orientation for the workers at the Punzalan Gym, where they explained the guidelines and benefits of the TUPAD program. They also distributed personal protective equipment, such as face masks, gloves, and boots, to the workers.

This is the second time that Bernardo has received TUPAD slots from SAGIP party list. He said he is grateful for the support of Marcoleta and DOLE in providing livelihood opportunities for the Pinamaleños.

Bernardo added that he is also expecting 200 more slots for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which gives cash aid to individuals and families in need. He said he will distribute the assistance to other barangays in Pinamalayan.

Bernardo said he hopes that the government programs will help the Pinamaleños cope with the economic challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also urged the beneficiaries to work hard and use their earnings wisely.