The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will release nearly PHP1 million as payment to 178 beneficiaries of its emergency employment program from the island barangays in the municipality of Culasi in Antique on Wednesday.

DOLE-Antique Director Ma. Cecilia Acebuque said Tuesday that beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) rendered services on Feb. 26-29 and March 1-8.

“The TUPAD beneficiaries, who had undertaken community gardening, declogging of canals, and coastal cleanup, will receive the minimum wage of PHP480 per day,” she said in an interview.

Antique Governor Rhodora J. Cadiao requested the TUPAD in the island barangays so they could also gain access to the national government program, especially during the El Niño phenomenon.

“TUPAD beneficiaries were only required to render four hours, instead of the usual eight hours of work per day, during their employment so they would not get sick due to the extreme heat,” Acebuque said.

TUPAD beneficiaries worked from 6 a.m. until 10 a.m.

DOLE is also preparing to extend emergency employment to those who will help exhibitors for the Kadiwa ng Pangulo set to be held in San Jose de Buenavista town from April 29 to May 1.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo aims to assist farmers and micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) to find a market for their agricultural products, housewares, and other souvenir items. (PNA)