Surigao Sur TUPAD beneficiary grateful for govt support, hopes program continues
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur (PIA) — For Ralph Fernandez, a resident of Tandag City, being chosen as a beneficiary of the government’s employment assistance program meant more than receiving temporary work; it provided support during a time of financial difficulty.
Fernandez thanked the national government for implementing programs that reach people in vulnerable situations, particularly those who are “nasa laylayan” or living in marginalized communities.
“Nagpasalamat ako nga usa sa napili nga benepisyaryo tungod kay nakatabang ini sa amo kalisud. Manghinaut ako nga magpadayon kini nga programa para daghan pa makabenepisyo nga sama nako ang sitwasyon,” he said.
(I am grateful to have been chosen as one of the beneficiaries because this program helped us through our difficulties. I hope this program will continue so that more people in situations like mine can benefit from it.)
For Fernandez, the assistance provided an opportunity to earn income while coping with everyday financial challenges. He also hoped that similar programs would continue to reach more workers and families who need immediate support.
Fernandez was among the 589 Tandag City residents who benefited from the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). The beneficiaries completed 10 days of temporary employment and received a total of ₱2.79 million in wages, or ₱4,750 each.
DOLE Provincial Director Genebelle Bal said, “The assistance formed part of the agency’s broader efforts to support workers, livelihood beneficiaries, young interns, and students through various employment and livelihood programs.”
During the activity, DOLE also provided ₱7.97 million in livelihood assistance under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) to accredited co-partners in Tandag City, San Miguel, and Cantilan. The assistance supports livelihood projects benefiting exited 4Ps beneficiaries and parents of child laborers.
Another ₱1.09 million was released through the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program (AMP) to three beneficiary enterprises, including Hiddout Carrascal Bar and Restaurant, Iriberri Bakeshop, and Rozano Tailoring Services, to help sustain and enhance their businesses.
For young people, DOLE released nearly ₱1.45 million in stipends to 147 Government Internship Program (GIP) interns assigned to various offices across the province. An additional ₱1.43 million was released under the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), covering DOLE counterpart salaries for 300 beneficiaries from Tandag City and the Provincial Government of Surigao del Sur.
These assistance programs were delivered during the Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat caravan on September 14 at the VTP Jr. memorial gymnasium in Tandag City, as part of the province-wide effort to bring government services and assistance closer to communities.
For beneficiaries like Fernandez, the support serves as a reminder that government employment and livelihood programs can provide immediate assistance while opening opportunities for workers and families to augment their income. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
