Over 10K residents benefited from DOLE-TUPAD in Surigao Sur
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — In line with the Bagong Pilipinas agenda on inclusive growth and strengthened social protection, more than 10,000 Surigaonons received short-term employment and immediate income support through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) program on Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD).
DOLE Surigao del Sur, headed by Genebbelle Bal, reported a total of 10,674 beneficiaries from various municipalities and cities across the province during the second semester of 2025 engaged with the program, which aims to provide temporary employment to displaced, underemployed, and vulnerable workers.
“Beneficiaries received ₱4,350 for 10 days of work and ₱6,525 for 15 days, depending on the duration of their engagement,” she said.
“Overall, the program generated ₱46.51 million in wages, directly augmenting household income and helping families meet daily needs such as food, utilities, and other basic expenses, particularly during periods of economic vulnerability.”
Under TUPAD, beneficiaries were deployed to community-based projects, including community and coastal clean-up, environmental sanitation, and community gardening. These activities not only provided immediate income but also contributed to environmental protection, disaster risk reduction, and the overall improvement of public spaces within their respective barangays.
DOLE emphasized that the program supports the Bagong Pilipinas thrust of promoting decent work, community resilience, and people-centered development, where labor interventions serve both economic and social objectives.
In line with DOLE’s integrated approach, TUPAD beneficiaries also received free community-based skills training through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Surigao del Sur while undergoing temporary employment. The training included rug making, massage services, napkin folding, and food processing, such as pastilla making.
These value-adding interventions were designed to equip beneficiaries with additional skills that could open opportunities for future employment, self-employment, or small enterprise development, thereby strengthening their long-term economic prospects beyond short-term wage assistance.
One of the beneficiaries, Regie from Tandag City, expressed gratitude for the program, sharing that the assistance helped her family cope with daily needs.
“Nakatabang sa among pamilya ang programa, labi na sa pareho sa amo na mga pobre da intawon. Nakapalit kami nan bugas sanan nakapamalengke,” Regie said.
(The program has helped our families, especially us who are poor. We were able to buy rice and other basic needs from the market.)
The successful implementation of the TUPAD program in Surigao del Sur has showcased the government’s continued commitment under the Bagong Pilipinas framework to provide immediate employment assistance while fostering community development and inclusive growth.
By combining emergency employment with skills training and community service, the DOLE continues to strengthen the resilience of disadvantaged workers and support sustainable development at the grassroots. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
