The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to distribute PHP137-million worth of financial assistance to disadvantaged individuals and workers’ groups in the Ilocos Region on Labor Day.

About PHP131.5 million will be allocated for the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program that will benefit over 29,000 individuals, DOLE Ilocos Region chief labor and employment officer Teresa Bonavente said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum on Tuesday.

Around PHP5.97 million, in turn, is for the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which will benefit 280 groups.

In Ilocos Norte, there are 5,692 TUPAD beneficiaries; 4,703 in Ilocos Sur; 1,531 in La Union; 8,176 in Western Pangasinan; 4,033 in central Pangasinan; and 4,983 in eastern Pangasinan.

For the DILP, there are 164 groups from Ilocos Norte, 16 in Ilocos Sur, 46 in La Union, 29 in western Pangasinan, and 21 in eastern Pangasinan.

“Most of the beneficiaries are farmers, fisherfolk, probationers and disadvantaged workers,” Bonavente said.

TUPAD program provides temporary employment to displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers.

DILP, on the other hand, aims to assist marginalized and vulnerable individuals or groups by providing financial assistance for starting, expanding or restoring livelihoods. (PNA)