ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 6, 2022– The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 released emergency employment assistance worth PHP 40,798,606.00 to Barangay Ayala LGU, yesterday, at the DOLE 9 Operations Center in Zamboanga City.

“The said amount will benefit a total of 11,441 underemployed and displaced workers from various barangays in District 1 of Zamboanga City under the TUPAD program. Beneficiaries will engage in community disinfection and sanitation projects in public areas,” said Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, DOLE Regional Director.

The TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers Program is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced, self-employed, and underemployed workers, for a minimum of 10 days.

DOLE Assistant RD Imelda F. Gatinao personally handed the check to BLGU Ayala’s Punong Barangay, Imelda L. Dumdum with Engr. Wesley D. Tan, Chief Labor and Employment Officer (LEO) and Sylvia C. Delos Santos, Senior LEO as witnesses.

“With this large sum, we hope that home-based workers, farmers, fishermen, vendors, drivers from the various barangays will benefit greatly from this program. This is also our way of contributing to economic recovery as these families patronize local businesses,” ARD Gatinao expressed.

The Barangay LGU of Ayala is DOLE’s Accredited Co-Partner for the implementation of the TUPAD Program. The BLGU will be responsible for identification of beneficiaries, program monitoring and liquidation of funds.

“We are glad to be one of the barangays to benefit from this TUPAD assistance. As much as I can, I will give the best of my ability to monitor and be responsible in disbursing these funds to the different beneficiaries of TUPAD. Thank you very much, DOLE,” Ms. Dumdum said.

Each beneficiary will receive a minimum daily wage of Php 316.00 for 10 days and personal protection equipment (PPEs) in the form of long-sleeved shirts, caps, face masks and gloves.

Prior to work engagement, they shall undergo an orientation on the program and occupational safety and health and will be enrolled in a group accident insurance. END