Tupad program in Capiz will continue

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Amy Judicpa, officer-in-charge of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Capiz, confirmed that the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in Capiz will go on despite opposition from some provincial board members.

Judicpa said she has no power to stop the program of the national government.

Judicpa was invited by the provincial board Tuesday afternoon to ask her to suspend the implementation of the program due to alleged irregularities.

Board Member Jonathan ‘’Sonny’’ Besa, chairman committee on appropriation, earlier said that he received information regarding the improper procedure in selecting the beneficiaries and the amount to be received.

He said that each recipient should receive P4,500 but will only receive P1,000 because P2,000 will go to the cooperative while the P1,500 is for the provincial coordinator.

DOLE-Capiz already received similar allegations. But no one had come out to substantiate the allegation when the agency investigated the matter.

“The program will go on considering that the amount had already been downloaded by the national government. Besides, the national government has ordered us to distribute the amount as soon as possible or on before the term of outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte ends on June 30, 2022,” Judicpa said.

Judicpa stressed that they will recall the amount should the recipient be found not qualified for the program.

She clarified that those who qualified for said program are farmers, fishermen, small vendors and drivers who were affected by the pandemic, while those who are not qualified are government workers and officials, Barangay Health Workers, barangay officials and barangay tanods.