ZAMBOANGA CITY — Some 369 informal sector workers of Buug and Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay will benefit from the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) 9.

“The DOLE allotted the amount of PHP 1.9 million to pay for the wages, personal protective equipment, tools and supplies as well as accident insurance of the beneficiaries,” Regional Director Atty. Roy L. Buenafe said.

DOLE’s Accredited Co-Partner, Buug Multi-Purpose Cooperative, will be on top of the implementation and monitoring of the program.

The TUPAD Program 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.

“Under the program. the beneficiaries will be tasked to perform disinfection and sanitation activities in their respective communities. This is in line with our fight against COVID-19 local transmission,” Dir. Buenafe further said.

DOLE Zamboanga Sibugay Field Office conducted an orientation to the beneficiaries on February 25, 2021 to prepare them for the short-term employment. Provincial Head Elamsalih E. Ungad and Senior Labor and Employment Officer Edyll Grace Poligrates facilitated the orientation which included a session on basic occupational safety and health.

“The pandemic has greatly impacted our informal sector workers who rely on their day-to-day income to support their families. Majority of the beneficiaries who availed this program are farmers and rubber tappers whose incomes suffered when the community quarantine was imposed,” Dir. Buenafe added.

The workers are to receive their wages worth Php 4,740.00 after 15 days. END