The P10-billion additional budget that the House of Representatives granted the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) underscores the chamber’s full trust and confidence in the ability of DOLE officials to effectively address the urgent needs of millions of displaced Filipino workers.
Probinsyano Ako Partylist Rep. Jose “Bonito” C. Singson Jr. noted that DOLE was able to carry out with “extreme success” the objectives of the Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantaged or Displaced Workers Program (TUPAD) that aided workers who lost their jobs last year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Singson, chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, said the accomplishments of the TUPAD program last year has prompted the Lower House to grant DOLE additional P10 billion.
“It is also a manifestation of full trust and confidence in the leadership of Secretary Bebot Bello who has been doing a highly commendable job at the helm of DOLE,” said Singson.
“Secretary Bello’s earnest efforts in uplifting the plight of our workers amid the COVID-19 attack cannot escape notice. He responded with sincerity and true concern for the welfare of our workers, especially in the implementation of TUPAD and similar programs,” he stated.
“Speaker Lord Allan Velasco and the Committee on Appropriations also richly deserve our praise for making guarantees that workers who will bear the brunt of a COVID-19 situation can expect help from government,” the partylist solon added.
Singson was among the lawmakers who strongly batted for additional budget for DOLE as they noted that the department has responded well in assisting displaced workers through its programs.
The Lower House will submit on or before October 28 the proposed 2022 General Appropriations Act that contains amendments to re-align P65.5 billion to more urgent programs under a pandemic setting.
Among the amendments is the additional P10 billion to be allocated for the TUPAD program which is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers.
The amount will be added to the P21.036 billion government proposal for the 2022 implementation of the TUPAD program which is expected to benefit over three million underemployed, seasonal and displaced workers.