A total of 163 beneficiaries, including market vendors, tricycle drivers, and habal-habal drivers parking around the Maribojoc market, gathered at the Maribojoc Cultural Center, on March 5, for an orientation on the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program. The orientation was attended by representatives from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the office of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, with local officials including Mayor Romulo Manuta (standing, 3rd from left), Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) Federation President Kap. Danilo Enderes, and Malcolm Antepasado. The program is funded under Senator Cayetano’s Presyo, Trabaho, Kaayusan/Kita (PTK) initiative, which aims to provide financial and livelihood assistance to small entrepreneurs and workers in need. Through this initiative, the beneficiaries will receive temporary employment support, helping ease financial burdens and sustain their livelihoods. Mayor Manuta expressed his gratitude to Senator Cayetano and DOLE for extending assistance to Maribojoc’s informal workers. He emphasized the importance of programs like TUPAD in supporting the local economy, especially among daily wage earners who rely on market activities for their income. The beneficiaries are expected to render community service as part of their TUPAD engagement, with specific details on their work assignments to be discussed in coordination with DOLE and the local government. This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts to uplift marginalized workers in Maribojoc, ensuring they have access to financial aid and livelihood opportunities amid economic challenges. Dasig Maribojoc! Contributed photo