THE Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday, September 2, 2021, distributed funds worth nearly P7 million to residents of Candaba town, Pampanga, whose livelihood were affected by the pandemic.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello personally led the payout of displaced Candabeño workers who were given temporary livelihood through the agency's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (Tupad) program.

Bello said a total of 1,500 beneficiaries received P4,200 each after rendering community works for 10 days.

"We continue to assist our displaced workers through our Tupad program and this is one of our biggest payouts this year. We commend the local government for its continuous coordination with us to aid its people, especially those affected by the pandemic," Bello said.

Mayor Rene Maglanque, for his part, expressed gratitude to Bello for personally distributing the assistance to needy Candabeños.

"Napakalaking tulong nito sa napakaraming Candabeños na naapektuhan ng pandemya. Hindi lang 1,500 indibidwal, kundi 1,500 na pamilya ang nabigyan ng ayuda mula sa DOLE," the mayor said.

(This has been a huge help to so many Candabeños affected by the pandemic. Not only 1,500 individuals but 1,500 families were given assistance from DOLE.)

He also thanked Bello for his continuous assistance to Candabeños through other programs such as Special Program for the Employment of Students, NegoKart projects and other livelihood assistance.

"Simula nung ma-upo tayo ulit bilang mayor, hindi po tayo nahirapan lumapit kay Secretary Bello para sa mga programa na makakatulong sa ating mga Candabeños," he said.

(Since we were re-elected as mayor, we have had no difficulty approaching Secretary Bello for programs that will help our Candabeños.)