The International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) have partnered to provide emergency employment, and personal protective equipment to displaced workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Through DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), and the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), underprivileged and disadvantaged workers benefit from emergency employment.

In Muntinlupa City, 238 TUPAD beneficiaries and 45 beneficiaries received tools and personal protective equipment in a turn-over ceremony held on 23 October 2021. DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III and Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi led the turn-over. Workers received tools and PPEs from ILO and DOLE including 50 wheelbarrows, 250 gloves, 250 pick mattocks, 500 hard hats, and 250 shovels.

“We are here to assure of 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,” said DOLE Secretary Bello.

DOLE National Capital Region Director Sarah Buena Mirasol, Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns Director Ma. Karena Perida-Trayvilla, National Political Unit Director Mr Ramon Navarra of the Office of Senator Risa Hontiveros, City Administrator Engineer Allan Cachuela, Congreeman Ruffy Biazon, and Public Employment Service Office Manager Glenda Zamora-Aniñon also joined the TUPAD and SPES orientation and turn-over PPEs.