ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 20, 2021 — Some 46 Yakan weavers who are beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program received their salary from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 on January 14, 2021 at Yakan Village, Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City.

Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the TUPAD 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.

He added that the program is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Tourism. Workers in the informal sector whose means of livelihood are tourism-related may apply for inclusion in the cash-for-work program under TUPAD. 

DOT Assistant Secretary (ASEC) for Mindanao and OIC-Regional Director (RD) Myra Paz Abubakar, who witnessed the TUPAD payout, shared that the Yakan Weavers Albarakkattu Multipurpose Cooperative was identified by DOT as a Community-Based Tourism Organization and endorsed to DOLE for the TUPAD since the Yakan Village has served as a primary tourism destination in the city which promotes Yakan culture and products.

Barangay Calarian, led by Brgy. Chairperson Florencia Arcillas assisted DOLE 9 in the payout of salaries to beneficiaries. The Barangay LGU served as the Accredited Co-Partner for the implementation of TUPAD.

ASEC Abubakar was grateful that the collaboration between DOLE and DOT has strengthened not just in the city but in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.

On behalf of the Cooperative, Chairperson Maria De Jesus Ilul also expressed her gratitude to DOLE and DOT for the intervention provided to them. END/ WIth reports from Joni Sarina R. Mejico. LEO-III, ZCFO