DOLE-8 to assist informal sector workers through TUPAD #BKBK

By NORMA RAE S. COSTIMIANO
March 28, 2020

TACLOBAN CITY – In order to mitigate the economic impacts of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) global pandemic, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office VIII will be implementing emergency employment program for the workers in the informal sector.

Per Department Order No. 210 series of 2020 signed by Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III on 18 March 2020, qualified beneficiaries or those underemployed, self-employed and displaced marginalized workers who have lost their livelihood or earnings due to Enhanced Community Quarantine against COVID-19 may avail of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers #Barangay Ko/Bahay Ko (TUPAD #BKBK) Disinfection/Sanitation Project.

Under the TUPAD #BKBK, beneficiaries will work for a period of ten (10) days for the disinfection/sanitation of their houses/dwellings and immediate vicinity of their houses. Beneficiaries will receive wages equivalent to 100% of the prevailing highest minimum wage in Eastern Visayas, which is P325.00 per day.

Aside from the payment of wages, the package of assistance under TUPAD will also include enrolment of beneficiaries to group micro-insurance and conduct of Basic Orientation on Safety and Health thru dissemination of brochures. DOLE will likewise provide the cleaning solutions to be used in disinfecting and sanitizing their dwellings.

TUPAD #BKBK under D.O. 210 may be implemented by Regional Offices either through direct administration or through Accredited Co-Partner (ACP). Proponents/ACPs must prepare and submit Letter of Intent, TUPAD Work Program and Summary List of Beneficiaries.

DOLE-RO VIII was initially downloaded only P10million for the implementation of the program. Regional Director Yahya A. Centi during a meeting with senior officials of DOLE-RO VIII directed to implement the program the soonest possible time.

“Considering that most of our informal sector workers have lost their income now because of this COVID crisis, I urge everyone to do your part so that we will be able to deliver the needed assistance”, said Centi.