ZAMBOANGA CITY, May 31, 2022 – Some 400 individuals from Labason town in Zamboanga del Norte were provided emergency employment on May 20, 2022 under the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9’s TUPAD Program.

DOLE 9 through its Zamboanga del Norte Field Office (ZDNFO) oriented these beneficiaries on the features of the TUPAD Program at the MDRMMC Hall in Labason.

The TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers Program is one of the components of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) which provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers for a minimum of 10 days but not to exceed 90 days depending on the nature of work to be performed.

“The orientation is a very important phase of program implementation as it aims to provide the beneficiaries background of the program and best practices on occupational safety and health,” said Atty. Roy L. Buenafe, DOLE 9 Regional Director.

The package of assistance includes payment of wages, coverage/enrollment in group micro-insurance of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), personal protective equipment such as face masks, gloves and long sleeve shirts.

“For this project, we partnered with LGU Labason led by Mayor Eddie Quimbo and Labason Multipurpose Cooperative (LMC) to oversee the implementation of TUPAD for 10 days. Each beneficiary will receive a daily wage equal to the region’s current minimum wage rate which is 316 pesos,” Atty. Buenafe added.

PESO Manager Salvador Macaambac said that the beneficiaries will be assigned to their respective barangays under the supervision of their barangay captain.

LMC General Manager Myra Descallar expressed her gratitude to DOLE for always trusting their cooperative as ACP for the TUPAD implementation. She also reminded the beneficiaries regarding the submission of their DTRs prior to the TUPAD Payout.

Gerlie Dichoso, one of the beneficiaries, thanked DOLE for the assistance:

“Okay po talaga yung experience ko sa TUPAD. Nagamit ko po ang mga pinamigay niyong PPE at nabili po namin yung mga pangangailangan namin gamit ang sahod sa TUPAD. Nakatulong po itong programa sa amin. (My experience with TUPAD is great. I was able to make use of the PPEs provided to me and purchase my family’s needs with my TUPAD Wages. It’s a relief.)’”