5,000 Novo Vizcayanos to benefit from P25-M TrPaTu fund

By Rachel Magday

Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito is reinforcing his commitment to the marginalized communities of Nueva Vizcaya with the continuation of the TrPaTu (Trabaho para ti Umili) program, which also resonates with the Ilocano word “Taripato,” meaning “care” or “nurture.”

This initiative, backed by a P25 million fund, aims to provide temporary employment to 5,000 disadvantaged and displaced workers across the province.

Gambito expressed his dedication to uplifting the lives of his constituents, stating, “I want the people of Nueva Vizcaya to truly feel the support of their government as we work together to overcome poverty. This program is not just about financial assistance; it represents hope and opportunity for our community. The funds used for the TrPaTu program are sourced from the people themselves, embodying the principle of ‘kuarta ti umili para ti umili’—money of the people for the people. It’s about giving back to the community in ways that directly benefit them.”

TrPaTu, envisioned by Governor Gambito, is a localized version of the national TUPAD program, specifically tailored to address the needs of workers who have lost their jobs or are struggling to find employment.

The beneficiaries will have the opportunity to work for ten days, earning P500 per day, which totals P5,000. The work will involve community-based projects in their respective barangays, similar to the tasks in the TUPAD program of DOLE, such as cleaning and maintaining public spaces.

Dolly Rose Minas, head of the Public Employment Service Division at the Governor’s Office, is leading the program’s implementation. “This year, we have increased our budget to P25 million, compared to last year’s P10 million, which successfully assisted 2,000 workers,” Minas shared. “Our goal is to extend this opportunity to more people, particularly those who have not yet experienced the benefits of TUPAD.”

To join the program, applicants must provide documentation verifying their status as displaced workers, including certification from their Punong Barangay confirming their unemployment, underemployment, or low-income status. Priority will be given to those who have not previously taken part in TUPAD. The program is set to commence next month.

The provincial government has also requested an exemption from the Commission on Elections to ensure the program’s smooth operation during the election period.