Over 11,800 workers in Bicol get DOLE aid

LEGAZPI CITY— Some 11,804 affected informal sector workers in Bicol have received their financial assistance under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Worker #Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko (TUPAD #BKBK) Disinfection and Sanitation Project.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Bicol regional director Joel M. Gonzales stated they have initially released P40.7 million financial assistance for the TUPAD #BKBK beneficiaries in the region as of Apr. 6, 2020.

Gonzales said that the beneficiaries received P3,100 each after the disinfection and sanitation activities in their homes and surroundings for 10 days. They are paid based on the minimum wage rate in Bicol, which is P310 per day.

Moreover, Gonzales thanked local government units (LGU) as the Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) for their help in the immediate disbursement of cash assistance to the beneficiaries.

TUPAD #BKBK is an immediate response to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in the workforce following the implementation and extension of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the entire Luzon.

Qualified beneficiaries for this program include self-employed and underemployed who lost their livelihood or source of income due to ECQ.

These are the ambulant vendors, fishermen, farmers, barbers, carpenters, construction workers, helpers who does not have employers, and the transport drivers. Even the barangay health workers and barangay police or “tanods” can apply to this program.

The cash aid will be given to the beneficiaries through money remittance service providers or through direct cash payout.

DOLE said that beneficiaries of the Department of Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and assistance to individuals in crisis situation are no longer qualified to this program.

Beneficiaries of DOLE’s Covid-19 adjustment measures program and cash assistance from the Department of Agriculture are also not qualified to avail the aid under TUPAD #BKBK. (PIA V)