At least 154 beneficiaries of the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Las Nieves, Agusan del Norte, have received payments for the community work rendered from Sept. 15 to 30.

In a statement Wednesday, Las Nieves Mayor Karen Rosales said the payout is a big help to the residents, especially those who continue to suffer the effects of the pandemic.

A total of PHP721,000 worth of payments were released through a payout activity Wednesday in the town which was led by the DOLE Agusan del Norte.

Of the total number of beneficiaries, 104 were funded from the allocations of Rep. Jose Aquino II of the 1st legislative district of Agusan del Norte and 50 from the office of Vice Governor Enrico Corvera.

“We are thankful to Rep. Aquino, as well as Vice Gov. Corvera and the DOLE for providing the needed funding for the program,” Rosales said.

The payments received by the beneficiaries differed depending on the number of days they rendered for community works, most of whom were involved in the cleaning of the government buildings in the town and their respective barangays.

Among the beneficiaries were James Pedregosa from Barangay Balungagan and Merry Cress Pinakitob of Barangay Bokbokon, who both were grateful for working under the program.

“The TUPAD program of the government is a big help to my family, especially during this time of the pandemic,” Pedregosa was quoted saying in the statement issued by Las Nieves town.

Pinakitob, on the other hand, said she will prioritize the basic needs of her family.

“Food and other needs of my children are my primary concern. I am thankful for this program and the support of our government officials,” she added. (PNA)