A total of 3,805 marginalized residents in the sixth district of Negros Occidental have benefited from the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in July.

Data from the DOLE-Western Visayas (DOLE-6) on Monday showed the beneficiaries received wages totaling PHP17.122 million as emergency employment assistance for the community work they have rendered to help them recover from livelihood losses or displacements due to natural calamity or economic challenges.

In a statement, DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez Jr. acknowledged the support of the agency’s partners in delivering services to the marginalized workers.

“The success of the TUPAD Program can be attributed to the collaboration and dedication of the local government units and all the partners involved,” he added.

During the various payout activities, each beneficiary received PHP4,500 in wages for 10-day community service, equivalent to a daily wage of PHP450.

The beneficiaries were from the municipalities of Candoni, Hinobaan, Ilog and Cauayan and the cities of Kabankalan and Sipalay in the southern part of the province.

“The provision of temporary employment to the beneficiaries has created (an) impact to their daily needs and helped alleviate their financial difficulties,” Rodriguez said. (PNA)