By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has released over PHP635 million to beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in Western Visayas this year.
Melisa Navarra, officer-in-charge assistant regional director of DOLE-6, said the TUPAD program has benefited 134,144 marginalized workers in the region from January to August 2023.
Navarra added that the assistance is expected to exceed PHP1 billion by the end of the year.
“It will likely exceed PHP1 billion because, even though it’s only September, we have already implemented many TUPAD programs, and this will continue up to the fourth quarter,” Navarra said during a press conference on Tuesday.
Since July 2022, the region has had a total of 504,450 beneficiaries under the government’s emergency employment program.
DOLE-6 reported 167,345 beneficiaries from July to December 2022 and 202,961 in 2023.
To date, DOLE-6 has released PHP2.458 billion for the TUPAD program, with PHP768 million disbursed from July to December 2022 and PHP1.054 billion released in 2023.
The TUPAD program is a community-based initiative that provides emergency employment to displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers.
Eligible beneficiaries include household helpers, public utility vehicle drivers, small business owners, senior citizens fit to work, and independent contractors.
The program offers employment for a minimum of 10 days and up to 90 days, depending on the type of work.
Beneficiaries receive a minimum daily wage of PHP400 and work for at least four hours a day.
To ensure workers’ safety, Navarra noted that beneficiaries are provided with accident insurance through the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) and are given personal protective equipment such as long sleeves and caps.
