BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment - Cordillera (DOLE-CAR)  rolls out assistance programs, projects and activities in the earthquake-stricken communities in the region.
 
During the Laging Handa Public Briefing on August 4, 2022, DOLE-CAR Regional Director Nathanial Lacambra bared that they started the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) in Abra. Beneficiaries started to work under the 15-day emergency employment program by performing cleaning and clearing activities.

"To qualify for TUPAD, wala naman talagang stringent na requirement except that makikita na talagang disadvantaged or displaced worker ka at ikaw ay nangangailangan. Ang qualification diyan ay isa lang muna sa bawat pamilya para ma-distribute naman 'yung benepisyo sa lahat halos ng ating mga pamilya na naapektuhan," Lacambra stated.
 
Beneficiaries just need to submit their ID to establish their identification, personality, and residence and the local government units will process the rest for submission at the DOLE office for the actual implementation of the program.
 
In addition to the P380 per day salary of the beneficiaries, Lacambra said they are also entitled with accident insurance for a period of one year. They were also given personal protective equipment for them to use while working.

According to Lacambra, the DOLE Central Office initially released P25 million for the implementation of the TUPAD program which will focus for now in the province of Abra. He said that the next tranche of P25M will be used for the program implementation in other provinces of the region affected by the earthquake.

Aside from the TUPAD program, DOLE-CAR is working on a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for the conduct of Training Cum Production.

'Yung mga nasiraan ng bahay, kung gusto nila ay iti-train ng TESDA para mag-reconstruct ng kanilang bahay in the form of carpentry skills at 'yung ating Department of Labor and Employment naman ay magbibigay ng kaukulang tools para magamit nila sa kanilang pag-restore sa kanilang mga tahanan," Lacambra explained.

 "'Yung mga nasiraan ng bahay, kung gusto nila ay iti-train ng TESDA para mag-reconstruct ng kanilang bahay in the form of carpentry skills at 'yung ating Department of Labor and Employment naman ay magbibigay ng kaukulang tools para magamit nila sa kanilang pag-restore sa kanilang mga tahanan," Lacambra explained.
 
He also bared that P5 million was initially allotted for livelihood opportunities for the earthquake survivors in Abra.

The agency is also rolling the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) and the Government Internship Program for the sons and daughters of those who are affected by the earthquake. SPES beneficiaries are augmenting the manpower in the repacking and distribution of relief goods while the GIP beneficiaries will work for 3-6 months as government interns.

Lacambra also disclosed of their plan to propose an Earthquake Adjustment Measures Program which is similar to the COVID-19 Adjustment Measures Program for the provision of assistance to workers in the formal sector. They will also request for additional funding of livelihood programs. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)