ZAMBOANGA CITY – 406 displaced/disadvantaged workers of the Municipality of Baliguian, Zamboanga del Norte were hired for the implementation of Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 through Zamboanga del Norte Field Office (ZDNFO) and Liloy Satellite Office (LSO) in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Baliguian.

Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe highlighted that TUPAD is one of the community-based programs of DOLE that provides temporary wage employment for the displaced workers, underemployed and self-employed workers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought serious threat and disruption to the nation, especially to the livelihoods or earnings of workers. TUPAD is one of the recovery measures to mitigate its impact on the economy,” said Atty. Buenafe.

LGU Baliguian led by Municipal Mayor Albina A. Esmali, served as the Accredited Co-Partner (ACP) for the TUPAD implementation in the municipality through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).

DOLE LSO with PESO Baliguian conducted a back-to-back TUPAD and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Orientation for the newly hired TUPAD workers in two different venues namely Gani A. Esmali Boulevard, Brgy. Poblacion and Brgy. Mamad Covered Court.

The TUPAD workers were hired for 15 days from June 18 to July 5, 2021 with a work compensation of P316.00 per day, as the prevailing minimum wage of the region.

Out of the total hired TUPAD workers, 316 were assigned for the rehabilitation of the 3.5-kilometer coastal road of Barangay Tamao to Barangay Mildan and drainage clean-up of the central barangays of the Municipality.

Meanwhile, the remaining 90 workers were hired under the TUPAD Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko (BKBK) Sanitation Project for the clearing operation of the farm to market road in Barangay Mamad.

The TUPAD workers were also provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including TUPAD sweatshirt, face mask and hand gloves.

PESO Manager Roberto G. Banguih extended his sincere gratitude to DOLE Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, Director Buenafe and DOLE ZDNFO Chief LEO Lourdes B. Amores for the implementation of the said program in the municipality.

Also present during the orientation was the Mamad Barangay Council led by Barangay Captain Elsa Amper. END/With a report from Joni Sarina R. Mejico, DOLE-LSO