BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in the Caraga region has released P72 million to 14,672 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD program in Surigao del Norte province in the first semester of this year. Beneficiaries from urban centers to rural areas engaged in different tasks such as repair and maintenance of community facilities, cleaning and greening initiatives, and disaster response and rehabilitation efforts, DOLE-13 Director Joffrey M. Suyao said. “This is the agency’s effort under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration fully implemented by the DOLE Secretary to provide emergency employment to the displaced and disadvantaged workers,” Suyao said. Suyao added the release of the P72-million TUPAD allocation in the province of Surigao del Norte is a testament to the DOLE’s dedication and commitment in providing assistance to the unserved and underserved. “As the TUPAD program continued to touch the lives of countless individuals with the continuous effort and support from various stakeholders, it is hoped that the program will continue to flourish and alleviate poverty in the province of Surigao del Norte.” Beneficiaries thanked DOLE-Surigao del Norte for the assistance which helped them sustain the needs of their family, acquire new skills, and regain sense of purpose after the difficulties from the pandemic and super typhoon “Odette” two years ago. Beneficiary Mary Grace Prudente said that the TUPAD program is a blessing to her and her family. “It’s not just about money, it’s also about the hope and support it brings to us. It provided me with an opportunity to earn a living, and in turn, contribute to my community.” 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.