ZAMBOANGA CITY, October 21, 2021- Some 316 informal workers from Sirawai Municipality, Zamboanga del Norte have started paid community work under the TuUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the DOLE Liloy Satellite Office facilitated the orientation of these beneficiaries on October 14, 2021 at the Sirawai Proper Gymnasium and Piacan Covered Court whilst observing minimum health protocols.

“We understand the plight of workers in far-flung municipalities who are also in dire need of assistance during this pandemic. The TUPAD program helps them to augment their income for the most immediate needs and at the same time also helps the community with the service they render,” Atty. Buenafe said.

Municipal Mayor Hon. Gamar A. Janihim thanked DOLE through the leadership of Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III for the intervention.

Mayor Janihim emphasized that since Sirawai is a municipality mostly relying on farming and fishing, TUPAD will be a great intervention for the residents who were greatly affected by the pandemic. He also highlighted how fortunate the beneficiaries were for being included under the TUPAD program.

TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers 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, working on social, economic and agro-forestry community projects.

Prior to work engagement, beneficiaries were given orientation on Occupational Safety and Health and were provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) such as long-sleeved sweatshirts, face masks and hand gloves.

Each worker will earn a total of Php4,740.00 following the existing regional daily minimum wage rate after a 15-day period.

The said activities were conducted in partnership with the Local Government of Sirawai through its Public Employment Service Office led by PESO Manager Ms. Laida M. Dinglasa.

Municipal Vice Mayor Hon. Pulman M. Darquez expressed his gratitude to DOLE for the intervention. “Maraming salamat sa inyong serbisyo. Malayo man kayo at malayo man ang lugar namin, abot kamay niyo pa rin kami dito. (Thank you DOLE for your service. Even though our location is distant, we are still within your reach.)” ###