By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III assured local officials yesterday a total of P110 million fund for Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD for Negros Occidental and Bacolod City for next year.

Bello said the amount of P20 million will be allocated to the province of Negros Occidental through Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, another P20 million to the office of Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, and P10 million each for the six congressional districts of the province, and the lone district of Bacolod.

Bello made the assurance in the presence of the province’s officials and the seven congressmen who have attended the event.

It would be up to the local government units (LGUs) to identify the beneficiaries who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bello yesterday distributed a total of P15.3 million in checks for TUPAD and other livelihood projects.

He was in Bacolod City yesterday to lead DOLE’s TUPAD program at the Negros Residences./DGB, WDJ