By Jonathan Hicap
The Muntinlupa City government hired 1,191 emergency workers who were displaced under the enhanced community quarantine.
Some of the hired displaced workers were deployed to help in the repacking and distribution of relief goods in Muntinlupa. (Erwin Alfonso/MCDRRMO / MANILA BULLETIN)
These workers were hired through the government’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program that employs for a minimum of 10 days displaced workers including drivers of tricycles, jeeps and pedicabs.
“We are providing temporary wage employment for our displaced workers in the city since they are one of the most hardly-hit sectors in the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Jaime Fresnedi.
The first batch of workers were deployed to help barangays in repacking and distributing relief goods, and disinfecting communities.
A budget of P6.396 million from the local disaster fund was provided for the program, which is facilitated by the Muntinlupa Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and will be implemented by batches.
The Muntinlupa City government will also launch the DOLE-TUPAD #Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko Disinfecting/Sanitation (#BKBK) Project fund which will add another 184 beneficiaries from the barangays and an additional 522 informal beneficiaries through the DOLE funding from the office of Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon.
Under the TUPAD #BKBK program, workers will participate in the disinfection and sanitation of their houses and immediate vicinity.
Fresnedi earlier requested lessors of commercial establishments and residential units to waive rental fees and charges of tenants and partners in Muntinlupa City amid the COVID-19 crisis.
As of April 8, the Muntinlupa City Health Office reported that there are 73 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city including 10 deaths and seven patients who have recovered from the virus.