Surigaonons receive P61M in TUPAD wages
By Nida Grace P Barcena
TANDAG CITY (PIA) – Over 14,000 marginalized and displaced workers across Surigao del Sur have received their wages through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) flagship emergency employment program, Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD). Total wage disbursements for these beneficiaries exceeded 61 million pesos.
According to the DOLE Surigao del Sur Provincial Office, the recent province-wide payout was conducted in line with the celebration of the 123rd Labor Day, serving as a fitting tribute to informal sector workers who are often unseen yet are vital to community development.
Each beneficiary earned 4,150 pesos for completing a 10-day community-based work program. Activities included community gardening, clean-up drives, and other environmental improvement efforts.
The TUPAD program prioritized vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities (PWDs), indigenous peoples (IPs), solo parents, senior citizens, members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and those who have exited 4Ps membership, persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), parolees, displaced workers, and former rebels. This underscores DOLE’s commitment to inclusive and responsive labor initiatives.
“This program does not just provide short-term income; it restores hope and dignity,” said Genebelle Bal, DOLE Surigao del Sur head. “Our workers become active agents of change in their own communities.”
For many beneficiaries, the assistance was life-changing.
“Dako kaayo ni’g tabang sa amo. Nakatabang ko sa pang-adlaw-adlaw nga gasto, labi na sa pagkaon ug bayronon sa tubig ug kuryente (This really helped us a lot. I was able to contribute to our daily expenses, especially for food and paying the water and electricity bills),” shared Rosalinda, a solo parent. “Dili lang kwarta ang among nakuha, naka-apil mi sa pagtabang sa among barangay (We didn’t just receive money, we were also able to take part in helping our community),” she added.
More than just an emergency employment scheme, TUPAD empowers communities by addressing local needs while fostering civic pride and participation. The program also serves as a platform for social reintegration, offering vulnerable individuals opportunities to rebuild their lives through safe, decent, and meaningful work.
As DOLE continues to strengthen its pro-poor labor programs, the successful rollout of TUPAD in Surigao del Sur stands as a testament to the power of community-driven governance and transformative public service. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur with a report from DOLE-SDS)
