The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)   has ramped up its assistance program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) benefiting underprivileged and disadvantaged workers in Manila and Muntinlupa towards the weekend.

Last Friday, labor Secretary Silvestre “Bebot” Bello III led the distribution of livelihood starter kits to 498 informal worker-beneficiaries for Barangay 95 in Tondo, Manila. He also visited Muntinlupa last Saturday for hundreds of displaced informal workers in the city.

“Batid namin ang inyong hirap ngayong pandemya kaya naman nandito ang DOLE para agad na umagapay,” Bello said during the distribution of wages and awarding of Nego-Karts under the DOLE flagship program, TUPAD in Varona, Tondo, Manila.

“We are here to assure the government’s concern for your welfare. We have fast-tracked the provision of financial and livelihood assistance to cushion your inability to provide for yourselves in these critical times,” Bello said.

“President Duterte said that these are government funds and we at DOLE should provide for our people in need through our programs. I received instructions from the President to directly give you these packages of assistance to help you cushion the impact brought by the pandemic,” Bello added.

The visit highlighted the distribution of bicycle and cellphone packages to members of the LGBT community, persons-with-disabilities (PWDs) and those with medical conditions. A cell phone with P5,000 worth of load which they can use to start their business is included in every package.