DOLE: 1,134 informal workers in Isabela integrated into 'TUPAD' program

A total of 1,134 workers from the informal sector in Isabela were integrated into the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reported on Friday, Sept. 30.

According to the DOLE Isabela Field Office, beneficiaries from the towns of San Mateo and San Manuel are farmers, tricycle drivers, and displaced workers who lost jobs due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

DOLE Region 2 Director Joel M. Gonzales said the payout of salaries was distributed from Wednesday to Friday in San Mateo and San Manuel, respectively.

In San Mateo, 970 beneficiaries received P3,700 each for a 10-day of community service. Vice Mayor Arvin Barangan led the awarding of checks.

Meanwhile, Alfredo Fernandez, chief-of-staff of Isabela Rep. Michael Dy, led the payout of salaries in San Manuel to 164 beneficiaries, who received P5,550 each for a 15-day working engagement.

DOLE Isabela Field Office chief Evelyn U. Yango said the disbursement of funds reached P4.4 million.

“The beneficiaries, who received assistance amounting to more than P4.4M, engaged in emergency employment by doing community work in exchange for a daily salary commensurate to the prevailing regional minimum wage rate. Also, 10 beneficiaries from San Mateo receive starter kits to start their livelihood undertaking and attain sustainable self-employment,” said Yango.

The TUPAD platform is one of the DOLE’s flagship programs that provides temporary employment to informal sector workers and vulnerable workers affected by natural or man-made calamities.

Under the TUPAD program, beneficiaries were entitled to receive a salary of P3,400 to P5,100 depending on the length of service. Workers are employed for 10 days up to 30 days.