The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental is distributing over PHP9.5 million in government assistance to 1,218 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) program in Guihulngan City.

“The payouts today and tomorrow cover TUPAD beneficiaries who were employed last September in Guihulngan City on separate occasions and in different batches,” said Bless de Padua, Labor Officer 3 of the DOLE-Negros Oriental Field Office, on Wednesday.

De Padua said the displaced beneficiaries have been contracted to work for 10, 15 or 20 days with a daily pay of PHP435.

They come from different barangays in Guihulngan City and worked on communal farms, she said.

The release of the government aid came only in November due to delays in the processing of requirements, she added.

Meanwhile, 331 beneficiaries from Tanjay City also received their TUPAD payout last Oct. 31 amounting to over PHP1.4 million equivalent to 10 days of work. (PNA)