Negros oriental: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental has distributed over PHP 147.3 million in government assistance to 21,494 beneficiaries under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. This was announced by an official on Wednesday.

According to Philippine News Agency, Raizza Phoebe Rubia, the DOLE-Negros Oriental information officer and TUPAD focal person, stated that the emergency employment assistance has been provided since January 1. In addition to TUPAD wages, beneficiaries received Group Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) valued at more than PHP 1 million. The GPAI, offered by the Government Service Insurance System, aims to ensure the safety and protection of TUPAD beneficiaries during their employment or participation in DOLE activities.

Records from the DOLE-Negros Oriental Field Office highlighted the distribution of TUPAD beneficiaries across the province. The 1st district accounted for 12,206 beneficiaries, the 2nd district had 6,110, and the 3rd district included 3,108 beneficiaries. Each beneficiary is eligible to receive PHP 5,010 in wages for 10 days of temporary employment, performing tasks such as street sweeping or cleaning canals.

Guihulngan City emerged as the local government unit with the highest number of beneficiaries, totaling 3,543. Additionally, under the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program, 70 sellers and exhibitors across the province received similar TUPAD assistance during the same period. Rubia explained that these beneficiaries were compensated for the duration of the Kadiwa activity, as well as for pre- and post-exhibit tasks like setting up and dismantling stalls.