DAVAO CITY – More than 2,000 identified beneficiaries from the 54 barangays of the first district received the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) payout on June 4, Friday.

TUPAD is a community–based package of assistance that offers emergency service for displaced, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, not more than 30 days, depending on the nature of work.

First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte, together with the Department of Labor Employment (DOLE) 11, led the distribution of the payouts, which was sent to the beneficiaries through a money remittance last Friday.

Among the beneficiaries who claimed the cash assistance are 301 sidewalk vendors, 1,807 sari-sari store vendors, 154 barbeque vendors, and 113 vulcanizing shop workers, all residents of the first district. Each beneficiary recieved P6,000. 

Rep. Duterte said that their office is prioritizing assistance to the marginalized workers and the frontliners as well, in response to the public health emergency brought about by the Covid pandemic. He added that his office will continue to support those who are in need.

The lawmaker also said that his staff is continuously going around the areas under his jurisdiction to check whether there are sectors who have yet to receive assistance from the government, as its programs are intended for disadvantaged members of the community.