Cash-for-work set for Ilocos typhoon victims

By Freddie Lazaro

LAOAG CITY – The provincial government of Ilocos Norte, in partnership with the Dept. of Labor and Employment is sustaining the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program for victims of Typhoon Ompong.

The TUPAD program provides cash-for-work assistance through emergency employment for displaced, underemployed, or seasonal workers for a minimum of 10 days.

Nature of work varies, from socio-economic to agro-forestry community projects.

Qualified beneficiaries are screened by barangay councils and municipal Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs) based on indigence, self-employment, and educational status.

According to Lizette Bitancor-Atuan, head of the provincial PESO, more than 1,600 qualified families in Ilocos Norte are ready to be screened by DOLE.