ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Zamboanga City Field Office, in coordination with GARBEMCO (Goodyear Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative), its accredited co-partner, conducted a Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) orientation for 3,455 beneficiaries on March 1, 2, 3, and 7, 2023.

Said beneficiaries were affected by Typhoon Paeng flooding in barangays Guiwan, Putik, Pasonanca, Manicahan, Ayala, Tugbungan, and Curuan, Zamboanga City

The TUPAD program provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed, and seasonal workers. The beneficiaries will work for ten days on various community projects and will receive a total compensation of Php 3,510.00 for the duration of their employment, following the minimum wage existing in Zamboanga Peninsula.

The orientation was held at Guiwan Covered Court, Pasonanca Covered Court, Manicahan Covered Court, Ayala Gymnasium, Tugbungan, and Curuan Multi-Purpose Hall in Zamboanga City. The activity aimed to provide immediate assistance to those affected by the typhoon flooding by giving them employment and wages to support their families.

Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the TUPAD program is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for those who have lost their livelihoods. “We want to help these workers by providing them with immediate employment and wages to support their daily needs,” RD Buenafe said.

The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to DOLE and GARBEMCO for the assistance provided to them. They said that the TUPAD program would help them recover from the damages caused by the typhoon and provide for their families’ needs.

The TUPAD orientation and community projects are part of DOLE’s commitment to provide assistance to individuals and communities affected by disasters and other emergencies. The agency will continue to work closely with its accredited co-partners to ensure that the TUPAD program is implemented effectively and efficiently. END/With reports from DOLE ZCFO