
P30M TUPAD aid for Bataan workers
PILAR, Bataan – Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello and Congressman Joet Garcia distributed Friday P30 million to members of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) in Bataan.
Bello committed to provide some P20 million while Garcia also pledged to give another P10 million.
The cash aid is intended to compensate TUPAD members in the amount of P420 as salary per day, or a total of P4,200 for 10 days of work.
“Hindi n’yo po utang ito sa’min, kundi pera n’yo ito gaya ng sinasabi ni President Duterte,” pointed out Bello.
He told the crowd that they should thank Garcia for following up the fund from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). “We cannot refuse his request for your benefits in Bataan,” Bello said.
Bello, together with Garcia and Mayor Charlie Pizarro, led the ceremonial distribution of the cash aid to the initial beneficiaries.
“Magaling lumakad si Cong. Joet dahil kinausap kami lahat dito sa DOLE, kaya di namin siya matanggihan,” said Bello.
The labor secretary also mentioned Dr. Junn Teopengco, a prominent dentist friend of Bello in Bataan, for his major role in arranging the TUPAD distribution and his visit.
At the same time, Hans Leo Cacdac, administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, distributed P10,000 each to displaced overseas Filipino workers who were present during the program.