Over 2K typhoon-hit workers in Dinagat Islands rebuild livelihood through DOLE’s TUPAD
By Renelle L. Escuadro
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — Two months after Typhoon Tino struck the Province of Dinagat Islands in early November 2025, a total of 2,005 affected workers gradually regained their income stability with the help of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) program or the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD).
Through the DOLE’s emergency employment assistance, it provided short-term employment to beneficiaries who received wages that enabled them to address daily household needs, resume small livelihood activities and cope with income losses caused by the typhoon.
Attorney Jason P. Balais, regional director of DOLE Caraga, emphasized the importance of maximizing government assistance to uplift the communities during the TUPAD payout on December 2, 2025, to 541 workers from San Jose town and 20 more from Barangay Mabini, Cagdianao.
“I am grateful that we are gathered here today to reaffirm the Department’s support through this TUPAD payout. This short-term employment assistance provided immediate financial relief to families affected by economic challenges, ensuring temporary income support, while communities recover,” Dir. Balais said.
Teresa, one of the beneficiaries, said, “DOLE’s program on TUPAD served as our source of support during the early stages of recovery, helping us meet our basic needs, while we rebuild our communities.”
The provincial government of Dinagat Islands, headed by Governor Nilo P. Demerey Jr., commended the DOLE initiative that empowered affected families to contribute to recovery efforts while receiving immediate income support. It also recognized the agency for its coordination and smooth implementation of TUPAD through collaboration with the local government units.
Meanwhile, according to the Caraga Region Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s Situation Report No. 11, Typhoon Tino, which hit the province on November 4, 2025, affected 91 barangays, including 54,317 individuals or 17,427 families. It also destroyed 2,694 houses and 21 infrastructure facilities. (RLE, PIA Dinagat Islands with a report from DOLE-PDI)
