Capitol, DOLE award P22.3-M to SPES, TUPAD beneficiaries

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – As part of the kick-off activities of the celebration of the 447th Aldo Ning Kampangan, the provincial government of Pampanga and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) awarded yesterday a total of P22.3-million to some 2,604 beneficiaries of the Special Program for Employment for Students (SPES) and Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantage/ Displaced (TUPAD).

The salary distribution to SPES and TUPAD beneficiaries at the Capitol grounds was led by Governor Lilia “Nanay” Pineda together with DOLE III Regional Director Maria Zenaida A. Angara-Campita, Provincial Employment and Services Office (PESO) Head Luningning Vergara, provincial board members, mayors, local chief executives, department heads, and other government representatives.

During the opening, some 1,184 SPES recipients received a total of P10.7- million or P9,073.60 each as salary for rendering administrative services while allowing them to immerse in their respective fields of study.

Meanwhile, at least 1,420 TUPAD workers were given a total of P5.6- million while 250 selected members of Sampaguita growers from Lubao, Floridablanca and Guagua were provided P2-million worth of livelihood.

Similarly, a livelihood program amounting to P4million was provided to 17 “bigasan” in barangays, 100 scavengers, four groups of micro enterprises and hollow block makers as their source of additional income.

The Pampanga government has been partnering with DOLE since the program was introduced, in fact, 40 percent of the salary is shouldered by DOLE while 60 percent is funded by the provincial gover nment .

“Do you know DOLE gives us almost P100 million?” Governor Pineda said.

For her part, Angara-Campita lauded the continuous efforts of Governor Pineda in ensuring timely and speedy delivery of financial assistance and services to the marginalized sector in Pampanga.

This year’s theme “Pamagdatila King Pamanang Kapampangan” centers on the province’s rich tradition, culture and history.

— Ma. Reina Len Luna/ Pampanga PIO