Quake survivors in Surigao Sur benefit from DOLE, TESDA livelihood programs
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Surigao del Sur, together with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), provided employment to 2,791 earthquake survivors in the province.
The DOLE and TESDA provided them with emergency employment under the
Tulong Pangkabuhayan sa Ating Disadvantage and Displaced Workers (TUPAD).
According to DOLE Provincial Director Genebelle Bal, they recently
allocated P10.8 million for emergency employment assistance under the TUPAD
program.
“Each beneficiary received P3,500 for a 10-day work period, focusing on
community projects made available by the local government units,” Bal said.
Labor and
Employment officer Josel-An Panares further said, “The initiative supported the
beneficiaries coming from the 15 municipalities of Lingig, Hinatuan, Tagbina,
Barobo, San Agustin, Cagwait, Bayabas, Tago San Miguel, Cortes, Lanuza, Carmen,
Cantilan, and Carrascal.”
“On top of the work, they received personal protective equipment, and
they were enrolled in the Government Service Insurance System’s (GSIS) personal
accident insurance with a year of coverage,” Panares added.
Thereafter, TESDA conducted other skills training on pastillas-making,
rug-making and organic fertilizer-making. These training programs were offered
based on the proposals submitted by the earthquake-affected communities.
The beneficiaries from Carrascal town who chose pastillas-making were
grateful for being taught culinary skills that they will be using as an income
source as they continue to rebuild their lives from disaster.
Marianita Goc-ong, a beneficiary of the program, thanked the government
for not leaving them behind.
“The steps I learned from Pastillas making will slowly help me start a
small business as a source of our livelihood,” Goc-ong shared.
To recall, a magnitude 7.4 earthquake jolted the province of
Surigao del Sur in December 2023 and affected more than 150,000 families.
(NGPB/PIA-Surigao del Sur)
