DSWD, DOLE deploy TUPAD workers to support mobile kitchens in quake-hit Cebu

CEBU, Philippines —  The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Visayas (DSWD-7) has partnered with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-7) to deploy 86 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to assist in the agency’s mobile kitchen operations in Northern Cebu.

The initiative forms part of DSWD’s continuing disaster response for earthquake-affected communities in Daanbantayan, San Remigio, Medellin, and Bogo City, where six mobile kitchens have been serving hot meals to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and affected families from October 1 to 31, 2025.

DSWD-7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie S. Lucero said each mobile kitchen ideally operates with around 18 personnel handling cooking, cleaning, food distribution, and inventory management.

The TUPAD workers serve as cooks, kitchen assistants, and dishwashers, while DSWD staff oversee coordination and logistics, including food delivery to remote areas. Some of the TUPAD beneficiaries are also residents affected by the recent earthquake.

The workers are assigned to mobile kitchens managed by various DSWD field offices: DSWD Field Offices 7 and 10 in Bogo City, DSWD NCR and 8 in Daanbantayan, DSWD 4A in Medellin, and DSWD 6 in San Remigio. These kitchens operate round the clock to ensure continuous meal service.

Each TUPAD beneficiary will render 38 days of service and receive ?540 per day under DOLE’s short-term emergency employment program for displaced and disadvantaged workers.

Lucero expressed gratitude to DOLE for the partnership, noting that it not only bolstered DSWD’s relief operations but also provided livelihood support to affected families.

“As they assist in our mobile kitchens, it will also serve as preparation for them to eventually manage community kitchens in evacuation camps,” Lucero said.

Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano extended aid to earthquake-hit communities in northern Cebu through his Tulong Medikal and Emergency Response Department (ERD) caravan.

From October 21 to 23, 2025, Cayetano’s team served 989 residents in the towns of San Remigio, Medellin, and Tabogon, offering free medical and psychological consultations, stress debriefing, treatment for minor injuries and wounds, and administration of anti-tetanus shots and new vaccines. Beneficiaries also received a month’s supply of maintenance and common medicines.

The caravan distributed hot meals, bottled water, and tarpaulins to families in the hardest-hit and underserved areas. Children participated in storytelling and coloring activities to help ease trauma and bring comfort amid the disaster’s aftermath.

The initiative was carried out in partnership with Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro, San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez, Medellin Mayor Edwin Salimbagon, and Tabogon Mayor Francis Salimbangon.

Earlier, Cayetano’s team also visited the town of Borbon to distribute folding tents and blankets following a request from former Vice Mayor Roy Melgo. (CEBU NEWS)