ZAMBOANGA CITY- The Department of Labor and Employment Zamboanga City Field Office (DOLE-ZCFO) successfully conducted an orientation on the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) through the Office of Sen. Grace Poe and in partnership with Accredited Co-Partner BLGU-Maasin to 485 beneficiaries from various barangays in Zamboanga City.

The TUPAD Orientation was held at Mayor Vitaliano D. Agan Coliseum, Brgy. Tetuan, Zamboanga City on July 28, 2023. The activity aims to equip the beneficiaries with knowledge about the TUPAD guidelines and Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) measures, ensuring a safe and productive working environment during their employment period.

The activity was graced by LGU Zamboanga City Mayor Hon. John M. Dalipe; Mr. Ron Jacob Orendain, representative of the Office of Sen. Grace Poe; Mr. Jeric Bustamante, PESO Manager of LGU Zamboanga City; staff from the Congressional District 2 Office; and officials of BLGU Maasin.

Expressing his gratitude and appreciation for the program, beneficiary like Norman Castillo from Barangay Arena Blanco shared, “Thank you po at napili akong isa sa mga maging benepisyaro ng TUPAD. Kahit na hindi po ito ganon kalaki ay makakatulong na po ito sa pang araw-araw na gastos katulad ng bigas at pangbayad ng tubig at ilaw.”

Mr. Ron Jacob Orendain, Executive Assistant II, representative of Senator Grace Poe’s Office delivered an inspiring message from Senator Poe, emphasizing the importance of providing equal opportunities for all Filipinos to enjoy economic equality through programs like TUPAD. He shared Sen. Poe’s commitment to empowering the disadvantaged workers in the region.

The TUPAD Orientation was led by DOLE ZCFO Supervising LEO Mr. Makaraya U. Adil along with the TUPAD Coordinators. The beneficiaries were from Barangay Guiwan, Zone III, Baliwasan, Arena Blanco, Mampang, Divisoria, and Sta. Catalina.

TUPAD Orientation is conducted showcasing the commitment of the government through DOLE and the LGUs and other partners to improve the lives of disadvantaged and displaced workers in Zamboanga City. The program aims to make a positive impact on the lives of the beneficiaries and contribute to the community’s overall growth and development through Social Projects and Community Work. END/ with reports from IGLLegaspi, TC, DOLE-ZCFO.