DOLE’s TUPAD brings hope, livelihood to IPs, peace advocates
By Nora L. Molde
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A total of 190 workers from Indigenous People (IP) communities and peace advocates, also known as former rebels, in the municipality of Buenavista in Agusan del Norte have obtained temporary livelihood through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
For many of the beneficiaries, the TUPAD program serves as an opportunity to rebuild their lives and become more self-reliant. Alyas Dodong, one of the former rebel (FR) participants, expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the assistance provided by the government.
“We are very thankful for this program because it will help increase our income. We will no longer depend solely on government aid, and we can also help by planting on the lands that will be monitored by the government,” Dodong said.
He added that the opportunity to work and cultivate the land gives them pride and hope for a more sustainable livelihood.
Agusan del Norte Congressional Representative Dale B. Corvera encouraged the beneficiaries to take their work seriously and focus on productivity. “This job is not just about cleaning and taking pictures, but about focusing on Plant, Plant, Plant.”
Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Manager Ronald Codilla emphasized that the TUPAD Program in Buenavista was made possible through the strong support of Mayor Joselito T. Roble, who remains steadfast in helping disadvantaged workers.
“Through the leadership of Mayor Roble, we were able to bring this program closer to our people. We hope that our friends from the IP communities in the mountains will be able to work and provide for their families’ needs,” Codilla said.
Corporal Eliphaz Signar of the 23rd Infantry Battalion also extended gratitude to all partner agencies for supporting the reintegration of IPs and peace advocates through livelihood opportunities.
“We are truly grateful to DOLE, the provincial government of Agusan del Norte, and the LGU of Buenavista for giving our IP brothers and the peace advocates a chance to work and support their families,” Signar said.
Meanwhile, Municipal Agriculturist Gertrulyn T. Natonton assured the workers that the LGU will provide them with seedlings to start their planting activities.
“We will help you by providing seedlings so you can reap the fruits of your labor in the coming months. What you plant today will bring hope and food for your families,” Natonton said.
Mayor Roble also expressed his appreciation to DOLE and partner agencies for their continuous collaboration in bringing livelihood programs to the people of Buenavista.
“We want our IP brothers and the peace advocates to feel that the government is with them every step of the way. Through the TUPAD Program, we are giving not just temporary jobs but renewed hope and dignity,” Mayor Roble said.
Through the DOLE’s program on TUPAD, the beneficiaries in Buenavista are now empowered not only to earn a living but also to take part in meaningful community-building efforts that promote productivity, dignity, and hope for a better future. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from MLGU Buenavista)
