A total of 673 residents of E. B. Magalona have received their P4,500 wages for rendering 10 days of clean-up drive, under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD).

The beneficiaries received their wages during the DOLE-TUPAD Payout at the E. B. Magalona Public Plaza today [Oct. 18], according to PESO Manager Jessilyn Plaza.

“That’s more than P3 million in total,” Plaza added.

This batch’s TUPAD fund was facilitated by 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez as requested by Mayor Marvin Malacon.

Malacon, in addressing the beneficiaries, said, “Kami nga mga officials ninyo, wala gapahuway palibog kung paano kami makabulig sa inyo kag ma-improve ang inyo pangabuhi.”

The mayor also encouraged parents to prioritize sending their children to school despite the hardships, as this is one sure way to get out of poverty when their children become gainfully employed.

Malacon was joined by his consultants, namely, Andronico Dequiña, Edward Poniado, Mario Bolivar, Ramie Babac, and Willy Gervacio.

Assisting in the payout was Kayzel Araneta, coordinator of DOLE-TUPAD Negros Occidental Field Office.

Meanwhile, Plaza said the TUPAD beneficiaries had conducted clean-up drive in their respective barangays for four hours a day for 10 days, with a rate of P450 per day or P4,500 for 10 days.

The beneficiaries were also given PPEs (personal protective equipment), comprised of long sleeves shirt, buri hat, and face masks, for use in the cleanup drive, she added.*

E. B. MAGALONA PIO