ZAMBOANGA CITY – Informal sector workers in Zamboanga del Sur received TUPAD wages from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOLE 9 Regional Director Atty. Roy L Buenafe said that the DOLE Zamboanga del Sur Field Office headed by Miraflor J. Casanes facilitated the payouts of a total of 1,159 beneficiaries under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers Program.

TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers.

“In coordination with the office of the Provincial Government Office headed by Governor Victor Yu, we released a total of PHP 1,052,280.00 for the wages of 222 beneficiaries in the Municipality of Pitogo, PHP 2,384,220 for 503 beneficiaries in the Municipality of Aurora and PHP 2,057,160.00 to 434 beneficiaries in the Municipality of Mahayag from October 19 and 21, 2021,” Atty. Buenafe shared.

The said recipients were employed for 15 days under the TUPAD program and earned PHP 4,740.00 each based on the daily minimum wage rate of Region 9.

“Prior to one’s actual engagement in employment, the beneficiaries were provided with the basic orientation on safety and health, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), enrolment in group micro-insurance, and TUPAD ID.

We are fast tracking the processing of wages for TUPAD beneficiaries so expect more payouts in the province of Zamboanga del Sur,” said Atty. Buenafe.

Meanwhile, 267 workers from the Municipalities of Bayog, Tigbao, Lakewood and Kumalarang will benefit from the funds that DOLE released on October 11, 2021 during the check turn-over at the Bayog Municipal Hall. #