More than 17K Surigao Norte residents benefit from DOLE’s programs
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment-Surigao del Norte (DOLE-SDN) has announced it disbursed a total of P87.2 million in assistance, directly benefitting over 17,000 workers and families across the province for the first semester of 2025.
The programs implemented under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) through its two flagship programs namely, the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which provides sustainable livelihood support and Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program, which offers short-term emergency employment to vulnerable sectors.
Under the TUPAD program, DOLE-SDN provided temporary employment to 16,844 disadvantaged workers, disbursing P75.8 million in wages. Beneficiaries rendered a 10-day community-based work such as street cleaning, coastal cleanup, and waste collection, and other public service activities identified in coordination with local government units. Each worker received P4,350, based on the prevailing minimum wage in Caraga region.
Complementing this, the DILP program extended P11.48 million in livelihood assistance to 395 beneficiaries, supporting the establishment of small-scale enterprises and community-based livelihood projects aimed at fostering long-term economic resilience.
For the beneficiaries, the impact has been life-changing. TUPAD participants shared how their earnings helped cover school expenses, food, and medical needs. One beneficiary, Charlene Guma, a solo parent from Socorro town, expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating that the assistance allowed her to seek long-overdue medical check-ups while sustaining her family’s needs.
“We thank the government through DOLE for providing us with a “hand up, not a handout,” enabling us to regain our dignity, rebuild our lives, and work towards a brighter future.” Guma said.
Local government officials and partner organizations likewise commended DOLE-SDN for its efficient implementation and strategic use of resources, emphasizing how the twin programs have eased the burdens of vulnerable families while contributing to community development.
DOLE-SDN Director May C. Velonta highlighted the dual impact of the programs. “The P75 million in TUPAD allocation and the P13.7 million DILP support are testaments to the government’s continuing commitment to uplift the lives of workers in the province. TUPAD provides immediate relief to disadvantaged workers, while DILP creates lasting livelihood opportunities that build resilience and sustain communities.”
The successful execution of the two flagship programs underscored the government’s broader mandate to protect informal workers, promote inclusive growth, and strengthen local economies.
DOLE-SDN affirmed its intent to expand partnerships with accredited co-partners and stakeholders to ensure that every peso invested translates into meaningful impact for Filipino workers and their families. (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DOLE-SDN)
