ZAMBOANGA CITY, January 15, 2022 – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 released the amount of PHP 473,850.00 to the Local Government Unit of Barangay Sunrise in Isabela City, Basilan Province last January 11, 2022 at the Sakayan Conference Room, City Hall Complex.

The said amount will be used to fund the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers Program or TUPAD in the said barangay and will provide assistance to workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

TUPAD 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.

Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, DOLE 9 Regional Director personally handed the check to BLGU Sunrise headed by PB Concepcion P. Andajao. Mayor Sitti Djalia Hataman and Public Employment Services Office (PESO) Manager Aradelria Belleng stand as witnesses to the turn-over of the check.

In his message, Atty. Buenafe cited the City of Isabela de Basilan for being the only local government unit in the region which completed and established a Barangay Employment Service Office in all of its 45 barangays.

Aside from the TUPAD Check, Atty. Buenafe also turned-over another cash incentive to PESO-Isabela City for bagging the 3rd Place Choice of the Press Award under Component City Category during the DOLE Bayanihan Service Awards held on July 8 last year. The compiled book and video submitted highlight PESO’s extraordinary accomplishments in terms of innovation, resiliency and humanitarian services.

In attendance were other PESO personnel, Executive Assistant to the City Mayor Mohajed Cosain, Marhamir Salisa LEO III, Rey Julius Banzon LEO III, Marlyn Andos Sr. LEO, Engr. Wesley Tan Chief LEO, Ma. Elena Alabata, Alvin Ocliaso LEO II, Aldrin Perez LDS, Atty. Verna Kate Santos, Sunrise SK chair Rizalino Francisco and Barangay Sunrise kawagads. END/With report from DOLE ICFO

Photo Credits: City Government of Isabela de Basilan