ZAMBOANGA CITY, October 25, 2021 — Following the recent visit of Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, DOLE 9 continued to intensify TUPAD activities in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said that the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers program aims to provide emergency employment to displaced workers and informal workers whose livelihoods were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Beneficiaries of TUPAD must work for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, on social, economic and agro-forestry community projects. In this case, they will work for 15 days and will earn Php 4,740.00 based on the daily minimum wage rate in Region 9 which is Php 316.00,” RD Buenafe added.

In Zamboanga Sibugay, DOLE Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office (ZSFO) led by Chief Elamsalih Ungad, facilitated the program orientation of 95 TUPAD beneficiaries on October 20, 2021 in partnership with Diplahan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (DMPC).

The Provincial Government of Zamboanga Sibugay, Local Government Unit of Siay and 2 cooperatives in Sibugay received TUPAD checks in early October 2021.

The PGO headed by Governor Atty. Wilter Yap Palma received Php 951,210.00 for the 266 TUPAD beneficiaries while the LGU of Siay received a check amounting to Php.933,660.00 for the 297 TUPAD beneficiaries. Risen Christ Multi-Purpose Cooperative (RCMPC) received Php 593,432.00 for the 92 TUPAD beneficiaries.

DOLE ZSFO Officers Edyll Grace Poligrates and Jocelyn Buen personally handed the checks in simple turn-over ceremonies.

“The checks awarded to the LGU and Accredited Co-Partner will defray the cost of wages, personal protective equipment and even group micro-insurance for all workers. We also ensure that prior to work engagement, all beneficiaries must undergo program orientation and a session on occupational safety and health,” RD Buenafe shared. ###