CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Governor Dennis “Delta” Pineda, through the Public Employment Service Office (Peso), hired 600 musicians who were displaced due to the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
This came after Oplan Saup Kabanda was launched to alleviate the plight of its 857 members who have lost their jobs due to the enforcement of community quarantine over the entire Luzon.
Dennis Gabriel Bondoc, Pampanga Musician Group vocalist and coordinator, said that the assistance given by Governor Delta to local entertainers is a big help, especially in today’s time of crisis.
“Isang inspirasyon ito lalo na sa ibang Banda Alyansa Chapters sa buong Pilipinas, dahil ang Pampanga ang kauna-unahang provincial government na tumugon at nagbigay ng mabilis na aksyon para sa lahat ng mga musikero at stage comedians ng Pampanga,” said Bondoc.
The said beneficiaries were employed under the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) Program, a community-based package of assistance that provides ten to thirty days of emergency employment to displaced workers, underemployed, and seasonal workers.
Aside from employment, Governor Pineda, through Board Member Ananias “Jun” Canlas, Jr., also distributed 130 packs of rice to Oplan Saup Kabanda members in District III.
In support of the continuation of their online concert, Governor Pineda provided the group of musicians free studio in the Capitol Compound, Barangay Sto. Niño here.
He also partnered with Businessman Dennis Anthony Uy, chief executive officer of Converge ICT Solutions, to provide free internet services to the said beneficiaries.
Bondoc, representing the displaced entertainers, appealed for support and assistance during the period of the community quarantine.
"Nananawagan po kami sa private sectors, hotels, resorts, resto, and bar owners to support the local entertainers, especially us, who were displaced due to the pandemic," he said. (Jasmine D. Jaso/Pampanga PIO)