5 thousand residents benefit in DOLE, CH program

CEBU, Philippines — At least 5,000 residents from 31 Cebu City barangays have undergone orientation this week as part of the “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers” (TUPAD) program.

According to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.

As reported by the city’s Public Information Office (PIO), it was Cebu City South District Congressman Eduardo “Edu” Rama, Jr. who looked for ways to deliver the national government’s program to the city’s residents.

“Kani isip tabang ni sa atong mga kaigsuonan nga mga Sugboanon nga naglisod. Dugay na ni siya nga programa para sa atong displaced workers. Mao ni tumong ug tinguha aning programaha. Ila ning trabahoan,” said Rama.

The city government also has a similar program called Tabang Alang sa Panginabuhian sa Atong mga Trabahante (Tapat), which is still for those who are having difficulty in making a living.

“Ang Tapat sa una sa City lokal program to siya. Kaning Tupad is a national program,” said the congressman.

Last Thursday, the residents who attended the orientation were from Barangays Buhisan with 183 attendees; Punta Princesa, 180; Basak Pardo, 128; Kinasang-an, 52; Bulacao, 519; Labangon, 335; Basak San Nicolas, 306; Cogon Pardo, 149; Inayawan, 80; Pasil, 109; Suba, 100; and Tisa, 420.

Yesterday were from Barangays Guadalupe, 959; Calamba, 41; Pahina San Nicolas, 50; Sawang Calero, 100; Kalunasan, 150; San Nicolas Proper, 351; Duljo Fatima, 150; Mambaling, 248; Quiot, 100; and Sapangdaku, 70.

Today will be the beneficiaries from Barangays Babag, 127; Bonbon, 50; Pamutan, 50; Pung-ol Sibugay, 50; Sudlon I, 50; Sudlon II, 25; Tabunan, 10; Tagbao, 20; and Sinsin, 100.

Rama said that officials of the different barangays helped his office identify those who could benefit from TUPAD.

Sierra Mae Ermonda of DOLE-7 said their office also coordinated with the barangays, which provided them the names of the identified beneficiaries.

Under TUPAD, the beneficiaries of the program will work for 10 days for four hours per day.

At P435 a day, a beneficiary can get P4,350.

“Depende ra sa barangay unsay ilang ipa-trabaho sa 10 ka adlaw,” said Ermonda. — GAN (FREEMAN)