BUTUAN CITY, June 16 -- A total of 216 workers from 20 passenger vessels in seven towns of Dinagat Islands will benefit from the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Tuloy Pasada Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), which has allocated PHP1,539,000 for the island province.

TUPAD coordinator Christian Bradly Dupitas said beneficiaries have been rendering community services since late last month, with the first batch starting in Libjo on May 26.

Under the program, each maritime worker will be paid the prevailing regional minimum wage for 15 days.

Diony Entera, 37, a maritime worker for six years from San Jose town, said the program is a big help for his three children, especially at...