By Rosalita Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, Philippines (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has sent more than 19,000 workers from its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD program to help public schools in the Bicol region get ready for classes starting on June 8.
Speaking at Labo Elementary School in Camarines Norte on Wednesday, DOLE Regional Director Imelda Gatinao announced that DOLE is working with the Department of Education on this year’s Brigada Eskwela, which seeks to ensure that public schools are clean, safe, and prepared to welcome millions of students and teachers at the start of classes.
As part of the partnership, DOLE Bicol has set aside P103 million to help run Brigada Eskwela and offer temporary jobs to 19,348 workers through its TUPAD program.
According to Gatinao, the workers will help get the school ready by cleaning classrooms, managing waste, moving furniture and learning materials, clearing plants, landscaping, repainting, and doing other simple campus improvement tasks.
She said the workers have been sent to more than 1,295 schools in Bicol, covering 12,105 classrooms.
She added that the workers may be assigned for up to 10 days during Brigada Eskwela and other preparations.
Each worker will receive P4,550 for their work, Gatinao added.
At the same event, DepEd Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad expressed his gratitude to those who provided support, such as national government agencies, banks, private individuals, and organizations in Camarines Norte, who gave in-kind and cash donations.
“This Brigada Eskwela is what we need today: cooperation despite the many problems we are facing. If we help and support each other, these hardships will become lighter for us and our families,” he said.
Emalyn Villaflores, 50, who supports her two grandchildren, expressed her appreciation for the DOLE-TUPAD program. She is one of the 76 TUPAD beneficiaries at Labo Elementary School.
“It is encouraging that more people are working together, especially when they feel overwhelmed. We are here to help with the cleaning,” she said.
She said that her earnings would significantly aid in covering her grandchildren’s school expenses. (Reyjun Villamonte contributed to this article/PIA Bicol/Camarines Norte)
