A total of 985 disadvantaged workers in Central and Western Pangasinan have benefited from the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program as of July 20 this year.

Of the total number, 296 are in Central Pangasinan and 689 in Western Pangasinan, according to DOLE-1 (Ilocos) information officer Jenny Mapile in a statement on Tuesday.

“The beneficiaries in Central Pangasinan each received PHP10,100 on July 20, after completing 20 days of temporary employment under the program. They were engaged in Brigada Eskwela activities, helping schools prepare their facilities and surroundings for the opening of classes,” she said.

In Western Pangasinan, 350 of the worker-beneficiaries are from the municipalities of Anda and Bolinao, and 339 are from Lingayen and Bugallon.

The beneficiaries also received over PHP10,000 each on July 14 and 15 as wages for community work like canal clearing, mangrove planting, Brigada Eskwela, waste segregation, sanitation, clean-up drives, and vegetable gardening.

DOLE-1 regional director Honorina Dian-Baga said TUPAD provides disadvantaged workers with an opportunity to earn while taking part in activities that benefit their communities.

The TUPAD program is a community-based assistance package that provides emergency employment for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers. (PNA)