Beneficiaries thank gov’t for P21-M TUPAD aid benefiting 2,805 storm-hit Agusan Norte residents
By Nora L. Molde
 |
Beneficiaries from the different
municipalities of the province of Agusan del Norte attend the Department of
Labor and Employment’s orientation on TUPAD emergency employment, part of the
government’s post-storm recovery efforts. (Photo courtesy of DOLE Agusan del
Norte) |
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — A total of 2,805 residents affected by Tropical Storm Basyang in Agusan del Norte benefit from P21 million worth of emergency employment assistance under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), with beneficiaries expressing gratitude to the government for the aid that provides immediate income support while accelerating community recovery efforts.
The program offers short-term employment to displaced and vulnerable workers, enabling them to earn income, restore their livelihoods, and participate in rehabilitation activities such as clearing storm debris, implementing risk-reduction measures, and assisting in public infrastructure restoration.
The initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure timely and responsive government assistance to communities affected by disasters, particularly through strengthened social protection and emergency employment programs as implemented by the DOLE–Agusan del Norte Field Office (DOLE-ADNFO) in partnership with the Provincial Government of Agusan del Norte through the Provincial Public Employment Service Office (PPESO).
For the first quarter of 2026, DOLE-ADNFO rolled out simultaneous orientation sessions on March 5 across several municipalities to brief beneficiaries on program guidelines and their roles in community-based recovery efforts.
Of the total 2,805 beneficiaries, the highest number comes from Kitcharao with 743 workers, followed by Tubay (538) and Cabadbaran City (428). Other beneficiaries are from Jabonga (291), Magallanes (230), Buenavista (230), Santiago (130), Las Nieves (65), Nasipit (50), Carmen (50), and Remedios T. Romualdez (50).
Beneficiaries will be employed for 15 working days, from March 5 to March 21, 2026.
The intervention was launched in response to the effects of Tropical Storm Basyang, which placed the entire province under Tropical Wind Signal No. 2 on February 5, bringing heavy rains and strong winds that caused flooding and disrupted livelihoods in several communities.
DOLE-ADNFO Head Keith C. Duran emphasized the importance of providing immediate assistance to affected workers. “Providing timely assistance through emergency employment is crucial, especially for families whose livelihoods were disrupted by the storm. Through TUPAD, we are not only giving them financial support but also empowering them to actively participate in rebuilding their communities,” Duran said.
One of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government for the assistance received. “This assistance is a big help for us who were affected by the storm. We are thankful to the government for providing us with work through TUPAD, which helps us meet our daily needs and recover,” the beneficiary said.
Governor Ma. Angelica Rosedell M. Amante also extended her thanks to DOLE for the aid provided to Agusanons affected by the storm, highlighting the importance of government support in the province’s post-disaster recovery efforts.
The TUPAD program continues to serve as a key intervention in delivering immediate relief while supporting long-term community resilience and recovery, in line with the administration’s thrust of building safer, more resilient, and disaster-ready communities. (NCLM, PIA Agusan del Norte with a report from DOLE Agusan del Norte)
