QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – Areas placed on stricter alert levels will be prioritized by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in provision of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) program.

DOLE Director Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla of the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC) said in a virtual forum on Wednesday that the department will review the number of TUPAD beneficiaries per region and will refocus on those areas that need the assistance most.

“We will still look into the areas that possibly will not shift to a lower alert level then we will refocus our target there. Compared to areas where the economy is relaxed, they could (not) go about with their day-to-day economic activities,” Trayvilla said.

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 exceeding a maximum of 30 days depending on the nature of work to be performed.

Under TUPAD, qualified beneficiaries are given work specified by the local government. The salary is based on the prevailing minimum wage in the region through a money remittance service provider.

The DOLE announced that their five programs will continue even during the election period after securing an exemption from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

The COMELEC Resolution No. 1047 prohibited the release, disbursement, or expenditures of public funds during the election period.

Aside from TUPAD, the exempted DOLE programs enumerated in the COMELEC resolution are the Government Internship Program (GIP), Jobstart Philippines Program (JSP), Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), and the DOLE Child Labor Prevention and Elimination Program (CLPEP). (JAFD/PIA-IDPD)