ZAMBOANGA CITY – Some 91 displaced workers of Zion Evangelical School and Zamboanga Ministry Fellowship received good news as the Department of Labor and Employment IX (DOLE 9) gives them emergency employment thru the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program.

Facilitated by the DOLE Zamboanga City Field Office, the beneficiaries were called to attend the TUPAD Signing of Service Contract and Orientation on Occupational Safety and Health on September 29, 2020 at the Zion Church Hall, Canelar, Zamboanga City whilst observing minimum health protocols.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, in his message, said that the TUPAD is part of DOLE’s intervention against the impact of COVID-19 and is geared towards the recovery of workers affected by the implementation of community quarantine.

“The beneficiaries will be involved in community sanitation and disinfection work for 10 days with a daily wage rate of Php 316.00 which is the prevailing minimum wage rate for Region 9,” Director Buenafe added.

Aside from the wages, the workers will also be provided with personal protective equipment such as sweatshirt, cap, face mask, face shield and gloves.

“We also make sure that they are enrolled to GSIS Accident Insurance with one-year coverage prior to deployment,” he said.

For this assistance alone, DOLE 9 allotted a budget of Php 325,000.00 to cover for wages, PPEs, insurance and orientation costs.

During the orientation, it was emphasized to the workers to be mindful of the health protocols and safety measures to prevent accidents and illnesses.

Pastor Ted Michael Natividad, School and Ministry President, acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of DOLE 9 in addressing the needs of the displaced workers – most of whom are contractual teachers and utility workers.

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 day. END/With reports from Sylvia delos Santos, Sr. LEO, ZCFO