Former Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) chief and senator Joel Villanueva attended on Nov. 3, 2021, a meeting with beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) at the Tagbilaran Saulog Gym which is near the Tagbilaran City Hall.
The visit by the senator to the Saulog gym was one of the highlights of his visit here in Bohol.
He delivered an address to the beneficiaries as he reiterated that he will be pushing for measures in the Senate for the benefit of the laborers.
Villanueva also said he backed the additional budget for the TUPAD program which is being managed by the Department of Labor and Employment.
In 2020, the said program had only P6 billion budget but Villanueva said the TUPAD budget has ballooned to P19 billion.
Prior to his attendance at the Saulog gym, the Senator made visits to Corella and Balilihan towns, according to reports.
The senator also made a brief visit to the Bohol Island State University later in the day.
Villanueva, who is running for reelection, met with Gov. Arthur Yap at the Capitol. The senator also met with first district congressman Edgar Chatto, Mayor John Geesnell Yap, Tagbilaran First Lady Jane Yap, Board Members Aldner Damalerio and Ricky Masamayor and other dignitaries.