DOLE upskills 340 TUPAD beneficiaries, invests P2.44M in wages
By Niña Jonalyn Gambe-Diamante
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Three hundred forty TUPAD beneficiaries graduate from their respective service courses in preparation for the Palarong Pambansa to be hosted by the province of Agusan del Sur in May 2026. (Photo courtesy of DOLE Agusan del Sur)
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — With the influx of delegates and visitors arriving in Agusan del Sur, being the host of the Palarong Pambansa 2026, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Agusan del Sur invested P2.44 million in compensation for the 340 TUPAD beneficiaries, who completed the Human Resource Mobilization and Skills Enhancement Program.
The program maximizes the opportunity to address the need for more service providers to accommodate the different needs of visitors and delegates from across the country during the national athletic event.
The initiative was realized through the collaboration of DOLE Agusan del Sur with the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PESO) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Agusan del Sur School of Arts and Trades (TESDA–ASSAT).
The upskilling of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) beneficiaries in the different service operations not only gave livelihood opportunities to low-income Agsurnons but also helped solve the concern of insufficient manpower in the nearing national games—Caraga’s biggest event of the year.
The participating beneficiaries underwent a variety of event-related service courses, such as housekeeping, body and foot massage, civil construction, electrical installation, body maintenance, as well as basic life support rescue and first aid for medical emergencies.
To culminate the program, officials from different government agencies and from the provincial government of Agusan del Sur attended the completion ceremony to witness the awarding of certificates to the TUPAD beneficiaries. Among those who came were DOLE Caraga Director Jason P. Balais, TESDA Caraga Director Florencio F. Sunico Jr., and Agusan del Sur Vice Governor Patricia Ann B. Plaza, who represented the province’s congressional districts.
Vice-Governor Plaza delivered an inspirational message to the participants, highlighting the importance of the program, which provides them with the necessary knowledge and skills for future livelihood opportunities. “Wala diri nahuman inyung kugi, mao ni ang sinugdanan sa inyung paglambo sa inyung tagsa-tagsa na vocational course ug mga skills training na inyong gikuha (Your hard work does not end here. This is just the beginning of your individual growth through the vocational courses and skills training that you completed).”
She also assured the participants that they will be prioritized should there be a need for additional manpower in the upcoming national games: “Dako kaayu ni na economic opportunity para karung umaabot na Palarong Pambansa kay kamo mismo ang una makatagamtam… kamo ang una kuhaon sa additional human resources nga gikinahanglan aning umaabot na national activity (This coming Palarong Pambansa will bring great economic opportunities [to the province], more importantly, you will be the first to benefit from it. If we will be needing additional workforce, you will be the first one to be called,” conveyed Plaza.
Along with the certificates given to the successful completers, they were also given their respective compensation. A total of 216 beneficiaries received 20 days’ salaries, while 124 received compensation for their ten days of work.
The skills enhancement training demonstrated that the TUPAD program goes beyond serving as mere ‘ayuda’ or financial assistance. It paves the way for sustainable livelihood opportunities, empowering beneficiaries to build long-term sources of income and resilience. (NJGD/PIA CARAGA with a report from DOLE Agusan del Sur)
