The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental has released over P44.9 million in funding from January to May this year that assisted more than 7,000 workers under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

Bless de Padua, DOLE-Negros Oriental information officer, at a Kapihan sa PIA forum last week, disclosed that the released TUPAD fund formed part of the P74,610,566 total allocation this year.

From January 1 to May 10, a total of 7,730 emergency workers from different towns and cities of Negros Oriental benefited from the P44.9 million funding.

TUPAD funds were coursed through the local government units (LGUs) and the barangays who are tasked to identify the recipients, she added.

Under the TUPAD program, a beneficiary receives P435 a day for 10 days or even more, depending on the duration of the temporary employment given by the LGU or barangay.

TUPAD beneficiaries include streetworkers, canal cleaners, and communal gardeners, among others.

De Padua said some LGUs propose to hire these disadvantaged workers for 15, 20, or even 30 days, depending on the nature of the work.

TUPAD aims to provide emergency aid for individuals who are jobless, underpaid, displaced, or seasonal workers. (PNA)