At least 1,100 workers displaced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic here have been provided with livelihood through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

TUPAD is a project of the national government through the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and is being implemented in the province of Albay with the help of Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-List Rep. Elizaldy Co.

In an interview on Friday during the orientation at Embarcadero de Legazpi, Jason Brilliante, DOLE-Albay program coordinator, said TUPAD will provide immediate assistance to the beneficiaries who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

“The beneficiaries are from the five coastal barangays of Legazpi City — Victory Village North, Victory Village South, Pigcale, Puro and Centro Baybay. They will do community works and expect each beneficiary will render 10 days of work in their community, for which they will receive PHP3,650,” he said.

Brilliante said the beneficiaries were briefed about the TUPAD program, its benefits, and the responsibilities of those enlisted.

The beneficiaries’ tasks will include cleaning the streets, canals, and the environment in their barangays, hauling garbage, planting, and other activities that will improve their areas.

Brilliante also said a resident of a certain barangay can only be a TUPAD beneficiary once a year.

“If naging TUPAD beneficiary na sila ngayon taon, hindi na po sila pwede sa susunod na buwan. Pwede naman po sila sa sunod na taon depende po sa budget na naman (A resident can only be a TUPAD beneficary once a year, they cannot apply for it next month. They can again become beneficiaries next year depending on the budget),” he said.

Meanwhile, in Daraga, also in Albay, Mayor Carlwyn Baldo thanked AKB for its donation of a new PHP14.6-million modernized firetruck.

“Let me thank Hon. Rep. Elizaldy Co represented by Rep. Jill Bongalon for facilitating this endeavor that will enhance the delivery of service to our community and will aid our firemen to combat fire incidents and risk their lives every day. It is our responsibility to make sure the firetruck equipment will be used appropriately,” Baldo said.

Aside from Daraga, two other municipalities — Manito and Malilipot — also received a new firetruck from AKB. (PNA)