KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) --  Before 2022 ended, the Department of Labor and Employment in Soccsksargen Region (DOLE 12) released a total of P163 million in wages to TUPAD beneficiaries whose emergency employment focused on rehabilitation of areas affected by tropical storm Paeng. 

In a press release, DOLE 12 noted that a total of 44,471 individuals in 18 local government units across Region 12 benefited from the agency's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program implemented in coordination with LGUs and the Philippine Army. 

Each beneficiary was  paid P3,680 per day for a 10-day work focused on cleanup and clearing activities to rehabilitate their respective communities from flooding and strong winds brought about by #PaengPH.  In total, DOLE 12 paid P163,653,280 in TUPAD wages. 

The temporary wage employment is a part of DOLE’s recovery initiative to deter the negative impact of the calamity on the lives and economy of the affected areas, the press release states. 

Cash payouts were carried out in 18 municipalities, namely:  Alamada, Aleosan, Kabacan, Libungan, Midsayap, and Pigcawayan in North Cotabato;  Alabel, Malapatan, Kiamba, Maasim, Glan, and Maitum in Sarangani; Tboli in South Cotabato;  Bagumbayan, Senator Ninoy Aquino, Kalamansig, Palimbang, and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat; and General Santos City.

TUPAD program is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for the displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not exceeding 90 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed. (with report from DOLE 12 Technical Services)