Work scheme set for marginalized Bontoc town folk

By Shannon Althea S. Pagaduan

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Marginalized folks here have now something forward to look up to help in their finances.
    The Bontoc local government in collaboration with the Dept. of Labor and Employment and Office of Congressman under Rep. Maximo Dalog, Jr., oriented 186 beneficiaries of DOLE's "Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD)" program at the Municipal Capitol here Wednesday, May 24.
    Dalog in his message delivered by congressional staff Job Lemuel Kumalao, said the TUPAD program catering to vulnerable and marginalized sectors is one of the government’s commitments in uplifting lives of the people. 
    Dalog assured the continuous partnership of his office with the DOLE and the Bontoc LGU in bringing services of the government to the community. 
    In response, municipal administrator Arthur Leonard Odsey who represented Mayor Jerome "Chagsen '' Tudlong, Jr.,  expressed gratitude to the Office of the Congressman and DOLE  for their commitment to the community's betterment. 
    Providing short-term employment to displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers is of big help to sustain their basic needs, especially to the victims of the fire which happened last April 11, he added.
    According to Labor Employment Officer Jenelyn Caluza, the program is now financed by Rep. Ferdinand Alexander "Sandro" Marcos through the initiative of the Office of Rep. Dalog, as well as the Ejercito Fund through the Bontoc local government unit.

    The 150 beneficiaries under the Office of Congressman were given 15 days to work which commenced on May 25 and will receive a fixed income of P6,000 each. 

    Meanwhile, the LGU's 136 recipients will be deployed in their respective barangays for 20 days at a wage of P8, 000 per person under supervision of barangay officials.

    They will work on environmental projects such as repair, maintenance, and/or upgrading of common public amenities and infrastructures, debris clearing, canal de-clogging, debris segregation and materials recovery, stockpiling, and clearing and community projects such as repair, maintenance, and/or restoration of farm-to-market roads, bridges, and public markets.

    Also, they may work under the community agroforestry operations such as tree planting, seedling preparation, and replanting.