NCCA endorses artists, cultural workers for inclusion in DOLE amelioration program

MANILA, Philippines — The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) has endorsed artists and cultural workers affected by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) as beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) amelioration program.

The NCCA said it has coordinated with artists and cultural workers from different communities for the list of individuals to be endorsed for the DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

“The NCCA received 748 initial applications from various artists, arts groups, and cultural communities nationwide. These applications were already forwarded to DOLE’s TUPAD amelioration program, and shall be subjected to further evaluation,” the commission said in a statement on Tuesday.

TUPAD is an emergency employment program of the government for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers whose livelihoods were held back by the crisis brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Once approved, artists and cultural workers shall receive the corresponding amount specified by DOLE per region, according to NCCA.

READ: DOLE to give cash aid to 350,000 workers affected by ECQ by April 14

The commission added it will further coordinate with the department for the possibility of a second batch of application.

“Meanwhile, the NCCA shall further develop programs and projects that will cater to the needs of the artists and cultural works in this time of COVID-19 crisis,” it added.

/MUF