Pangasinan: 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.

According to Philippines News Agency, of the total number, 296 are in Central Pangasinan and 689 in Western Pangasinan, as stated by DOLE-1 (Ilocos) information officer Jenny Mapile. 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 upcoming school year.

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 their participation in community work, including canal clearing, mangrove planting, Brigada Eskwela, waste segregation, sanitation, clean-up drives, and vegetable gardening.

DOLE-1 regional director Honorina Dian-Baga highlighted that TUPAD provides disadvantaged workers with an opportunity to earn while contributing to activities that benefit their communities. The TUPAD program is a community-based assistance package that offers emergency employment for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers.