TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. 8 (DOLE-8) wholeheartedly backed the Leyte leg of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair (BPSF), disbursing a substantial aid amounting to over 37 million pesos to a total of 7,418 beneficiaries. This event took place on September 23-24, 2023.
The official launch, held at the Visayas State University Gymnasium in Tolosa, Leyte, on September 23, 2023, witnessed the esteemed presence of House Speaker and Leyte 1st District Representative Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez. Also gracing the BPSF Launching were Tingog Partylist Representative Philip Jude Acidre and Leyte Governor Jericho L. Petilla, extending a warm welcome to all guests and participants.
DOLE Assistant Secretary Paul Vincent W. Anover, representing Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, was present and conveyed a message of unwavering support. He affirmed DOLE's continuous commitment to assisting fellow countrymen, especially to the diligent workforce.
A significant allocation of livelihood grants and projects, totaling P5,230,774.00, was awarded to diverse beneficiaries during this event. Notable projects included the Hog Raising Project for LGU-Pastrana, Leyte, amounting to P498,656.00, and Rice Retailing Projects for parents of 86 profiled child laborers from Tanauan and Tolosa, summing up to P1,487,623.00.
Additionally, TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) cheques were distributed to LGU-Alangalang, benefiting 1,207 displaced and disadvantaged workers from the municipality, with an amount totaling P5,016,292.00. Simultaneously, TUPAD wages amounting to P8,702,252.00 were disbursed to 1,510 beneficiaries from Tolosa, Tanauan, Tacloban, Lapaz, and Abuyog on the first day.
The event also included the disbursement of stipends to 214 beneficiaries of DOLE’s Government Internship Program (GIP) and Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), totaling P1,428,526.00.
Furthermore, DOLE-8 conducted a Jobs Fair, presenting over 500 job opportunities from 18 regional local employers. A total of 140 jobseekers registered, with 172 deemed qualified and 16 securing on-the-spot employment (HOTs).
On the second day, simultaneous TUPAD payouts were conducted at the Tacloban Convention Center (Astrodome) for 4,245 beneficiaries from Tacloban City, San Miguel, and Burauen, Leyte, totaling P17,080,220.00.
Regional Director Henry John S. Jalbuena led the DOLE-8 team, embodying strong support and dedication to the administration’s mission of bringing government programs and services closer to the Filipino people. —iTacloban (Source: DOLE-8)