By Mariela Angella Oladive
Iloilo City has launched one of its largest community-driven initiatives to combat dengue and leptospirosis, mobilizing 7,300 workers through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
The effort, facilitated by Iloilo City Lone District Representative Julienne Baronda, began with an orientation and contract signing on September 20 at the Iloilo Sports Complex.
DOLE-TUPAD focal person Jannielyn Magbanua said each beneficiary will receive P5,236, covering P4,800 for 10 days of work, a P380 uniform allowance, and P56 for one year of insurance coverage.
“Their main task is to clean their barangays to prevent the spread of dengue and leptospirosis, which are currently prevalent due to recent flooding,” Magbanua explained.
She added that beneficiaries are eligible for the program once a year, unless a state of calamity is declared.
The workers began their cleanup operations on September 21, working four hours daily for 10 days, starting at 6 a.m.
Baronda assured participants that her office remains committed to securing more programs like TUPAD.
“Our efforts to help you will continue, and we will strive to bring more opportunities to support our disadvantaged workers,” she said.
Former Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, who recently returned to the country, attended the event and expressed his support for the initiative.
Last week, DOLE also conducted orientations for 6,800 additional TUPAD workers and distributed payouts to over 1,000 beneficiaries.
TUPAD is DOLE’s flagship emergency employment program, offering 10-day labor opportunities to provide financial relief and immediate support to qualified individuals.
