At least 30,000 marginalized workers have benefited from various projects and programs initiated or coordinated by Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte during his first three months in office, the lawmaker’s office reported Tuesday.

For the third quarter this year, the office said 8,160 fisher folks and 5,799 drivers of public utility vehicles in this city were thoroughly screened and assisted to avail of emergency employment under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Disadvantaged/Displaced Worker (TUPAD) of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

The lawmaker’s office added that it has also coordinated with DOLE in granting TUPAD benefits to 923 street vendors.

“We had carefully profiled the TUPAD applicants to ensure that only those who deserve them are granted the benefits of the program. We are continuing to screen thousands of other applicants,” Duterte said in a statement.

TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, the underemployed, and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of the work to be performed.

Duterte’s office also provided scholarships and educational assistance to 802 students, while another 207 individuals have been granted free training programs from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) during the same period this year.

It also facilitated the hospitalization and medical assistance at the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) to 4,532 individuals, including Davao’s indigent senior citizens.

In addition, 8,929 beneficiaries seeking treatment in private hospitals were provided medical assistance from June to September.

Duterte and his staff distributed 102 wheelchairs and 1,514 food packs to 28 orphanages and homes for the aged during the period.

In partnership with Benguet Representative Eric Yap, Duterte turned over five patient transport vehicles to improve the delivery of medical care to Davao City’s first district residents.

“We have also initiated the construction of nine buildings to serve the needs of Davao City residents,” Duterte said.

These include evacuation centers, multi-facilities buildings, and Lamayan Bayan buildings for the use of Dabawenyos who cannot afford funeral services for their departed loved ones.

Duterte’s office also helped shoulder the funeral bills of 1,737 deceased residents. (PNA)