DOLE TUPAD assistance pours in for typhoon-affected workers in Catanduanes

Catanduanes --- In line with the government’s commitment to ensuring the swift recovery of residents in Catanduanes, an island-province severely affected by Super Typhoon “Pepito,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. along with Labor Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma distributed initial cash payouts to typhoon-affected beneficiaries under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program on November 20, 2024.

President Marcos on Tuesday said the government would continue providing aid for as long as needy Filipinos ask for it to recover from the impact of the successive storms in the country.

Meanwhile, Secretary Laguesma visited Catanduanes to assess the condition of workers affected by the recent typhoons. During the visit, a total of P303,888 in TUPAD salaries was distributed to 48 workers in Panganiban town, where the typhoon made landfall. Each worker received P5,925 for 15 days of service.

He also committed to the full release of wages amounting to P6.1 million for 964 TUPAD beneficiaries in other towns, including Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Pandan, San Andres, San Miguel, and Viga, within the week.

Further assistance under the TUPAD program is being rolled out to support thousands of displaced workers affected by the devastation of three consecutive typhoons in the island province. With total funds reaching P47.9 million, the aid is scheduled for distribution before the year ends and is dedicated to the rehabilitation and rebuilding of affected communities.

The TUPAD beneficiaries participated in community development projects such as, clearing activities, cleanup drives, community-based farming initiatives, planting disaster-resilient crops, and repacking relief goods.

Sec. Laguesma emphasized the importance of the TUPAD program in contributing to the region’s recovery, assuring beneficiaries that their service plays a crucial role in the restoration of Catanduanes.

“Sa pamamagitan ng TUPAD, hindi lamang po namin nais na matugunan ang inyong agarang pangangailangan, kundi mabigyan din kayo ng pagkakataon na maging bahagi ng sama-samang pagbangon ng inyong komunidad. Ang inyong ginawang paglilinis, pagkukumpuni, at iba pang gawain ay isang mahalagang ambag para sa muling pagbangon ng Catanduanes.”

One beneficiary, Elvie M. Agripa, a 47-year-old resident of Panganiban, expressed her gratitude:

“Ako po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa DOLE sa tulong na ibinigay nila sa aming mga nasalanta ng bagyong Pepito. Eto pong pera na aming natanggap ay malaking bagay na para sa aming pamilya at makakatulong sa aming agarang pangangailangan. Maraming salamat po sa patuloy na suporta at malasakit lalo na ngayong panahon ng aming pangangailangan.”

The TUPAD Program provides emergency employment for disadvantaged workers, offering 10 to 30 days of community work, especially during times of disaster and calamities, to enable beneficiaries to improve and rehabilitate their communities. RJA/JVEG