TUPAD workers build climate-ready Guimaras communities

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 6 provided short-term employment to 160 disadvantaged and displaced workers in Barangay San Roque, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras, through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program.

The workers performed community services focused on rehabilitation, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness.

The TUPAD package totaled PHP 948,800 and benefited mostly senior citizens, fisherfolk, solo parents, and underemployed informal-sector workers.

Each beneficiary received a daily wage of PHP 550 for 10 days of community service completed on July 3, 2026.

Based on the number of beneficiaries, daily wage, and work period provided in the release, direct wages totaled PHP 880,000.

The workers cleaned and segregated debris and waste, recovered recyclable materials, trimmed grass and trees, composted biodegradable materials, and properly disposed of waste to help prevent the spread of disease.

They also prepared land and maintained public facilities, including schools and water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

Other activities included producing and distributing makeshift disaster-prevention materials, such as sandbags for flood control and spill containment.

The beneficiaries also set up tables and chairs for community activities and encoded nonsensitive basic data.

DOLE said the project supports the Marcos administration’s employment agenda by providing decent work, sustainable livelihood opportunities, and responsive public services, particularly for vulnerable communities.

Regional Director Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. said the program provided benefits beyond temporary income.

“TUPAD is more than a short-term employment. It empowers beneficiaries to become responsible partners in improving their communities while helping provide for their families. Every employment opportunity we create contributes to building stronger, safer and more resilient communities across Western Visayas,” he said.

TUPAD is a community-based emergency employment program for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers, with projects generally lasting from 10 to 30 days, depending on the work performed.

The San Roque project demonstrated DOLE’s efforts to provide timely, people-centered employment while promoting environmental stewardship, disaster preparedness, and community development in Guimaras’ coastal areas.

DOLE said the implementation also reflected its continuing effort to bring government services closer to communities and help vulnerable workers rebuild their livelihoods with dignity.

The agency added that the workers’ participation contributed to broader government goals on nation-building and community resilience.