By Clienteast Van Totanes
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Cordillera recently released a total of 17, 358, 707.29 in wages to 2,443 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in Baguio City and two provinces.
Baguio City had 536 beneficiaries who received P3,971,057.70 in wages while Benguet recorded 736 beneficiaries with P5,570,754.59 in wage assistance. Mountain Province had 1,171 beneficiaries who received P7,816,895.00 in wages.
Beneficiaries are engaged in community-based work for a minimum of 10 days and a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature and scope of the work.
TUPAD is a community-based assistance program that provides temporary employment to displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers, while supporting community activities that benefit local residents. It enables beneficiaries to contribute directly to the improvement and maintenance of public spaces and community facilities while receiving temporary employment.
In Baguio City, TUPAD beneficiaries were among those engaged in cleaning classrooms and canals in barangay Lucban. This helped improve sanitation and the learning environment for learners.
“Salamat sa DOLE kasi nakuha kami sa TUPAD para malinis ang classrooms, buong classrooms ng Lucban. Malaking tulong din sa kanila na naano kami sa TUPAD,” said beneficiary Eddielyn Chavente.
Fellow beneficiary Josie Wiling said the work also helped address sanitation concerns in the community.
“Nalinisan dagiti eskwelahan, naikkat dagiyay lamok, dengue, santo dagiyay kanal, nalinisan” (Schools and canals were cleaned helping remove mosquito breeding areas and reduce potential dengue risks), Wiling said.
For Wiling, the temporary employment also provided additional income that could be used for the family’s daily needs.
“Uray nu kas-kas-ano ket adda ti igatang mi ti bagas ken sida. Mayat ta adda ti kastoy nga TUPAD, ta dakami nga senior ket at least ket adda maitulong mi ijay anak mi uray man jay igatang mi ti asukar, igatang mi ti bassit nga mantika, makatulong kami ijay pamilya mi,” [The program is a big help especially for senior citizens, as the wage we earn can augment the family’s needs such as rice, sugar, cooking oil, and other basic necessities.] she added. (JDP/CVBT-PIA CAR)
