ZAMBOANGA CITY —  A total of 1,269 informal sector workers from various Barangays in Zamboanga City commenced work under the TUPAD Program of the Department of Labor and Employment 9 beginning March 15, 2021 onwards. 

Regional Director Atty. roy L. Buenafe said that the TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers Program is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, 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 work to be performed.

“These workers are particularly vulnerable to economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.The program provides a minimum daily wage of 136 pesos to the beneficiaries to perform disinfection and sanitation work of their dwellings and the surrounding areas for 15 days,” Dir. Buenafe further added. 

Of the total number of beneficiaries, 393 are from Barangay Sinubong, Maasin, San Jose Gusu and Tugbungan, 507 are residents of Pasonanca, Tumaga and Talisayan while the remaining 369 are beneficiaries from Sta. Maria and Tetuan. 

The workers were required to attend an orientation on safety and health and contract signing where personal protective equipment such as TUPAD sweatshirt, cap, gloves, face masks and face shield were distributed. All beneficiaries were also enrolled in group micro-insurance for the duration of the work period. 

The implementation of TUPAD in the 1st District of Zamboanga City was in partnership with the Office of the 1st Congressional District representative Cong. Cesar “Jawo”L. Jimenez and the Zamboanga City LGU through the Office of City Vice Mayor Atty. Rommel “Meng” Agan. END/ With reports from Joni Sarina Mejico, LEO-III