The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has allotted PHP43 million for the initiatives of Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Kadiwa ng Pangulo and other livelihood programs to 50 associations with 1,500 beneficiaries in Mati City.

DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma underscored this in a video message during Kadiwa ng Pangulo para sa Mangagawa event Thursday, which Mati City held in support of the Department of Agriculture and the DOLE.

“Through unity and cooperation, we will be able to fulfill the dreams of the Filipino workers and their families,” he said.

Laguesma also urged employers to value and care for their employees, as he assured them that DOLE would continue to serve the Filipino people.

DOLE-11 Director Randolf Pensoy underscored the redistribution of public funds through TUPAD and Kadiwa, citing that the tax of the people should and will be given back to the people.

“This funding is from the people and it is right to give it back to them,” Pensoy said, as he encouraged the public to support the Kadiwa beneficiaries by buying their goods.

Thursday’s grand Kadiwa ng Pangulo was sponsored by the local government showcasing various local produce on display like pork, fish, vegetables, fruits and chicken, among others. Prices of the products are way lower than those in the market and grocery stores.

The Kadiwa ng Pangulo in Mati City opened in July 2023 and has become a daily marketplace providing affordable yet nutritious food to city residents. The market also aims to help farmers sell their products directly to consumers without the involvement of middlemen. (PNA)