PAGADIAN CITY, Mar. 27 (PIA) - Around 1,004 members of the Bangsamoro Provincial Consultative Council (BPCC) in Zamboanga del Sur received, recently cash aid worth P3,172,640.00 under the Tulong sa Paghahanapbuhay sa Ating mga Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to boost their livelihood.

The beneficiaries, who are farmers and fisherfolk hailing from 13 municipalities in the area, were given assistance at the Gatchalian Covered Court in Pagadian City.

The initiative was spearheaded by Mustapha Piang, Provincial Muslim and Subanen Affairs Head and core-Chairman of BPCC, who aims to link the Bangsamoro people to the government. The aid was given through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Program (DILEEP), which offers emergency employment to displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers for a period of 10 to 90 days, depending on the task at hand.

In expressing her gratitude, First District Congresswoman, Divina Grace C. Yu acknowledged the support of the national government in improving the living conditions of the Zambosurian people. She also commended the provincial government’s commitment to reaching out to the Muslim community.

“Nanghinaot ko nga ang kapunongan o organization sa atong mga Muslim dili lang diri sa Pagadian, sa ubang munisipyo pud, maghimo mo ug pagpalig-on sa inyuhang mga grupo”, Congresswoman Yu said. She continued by saying that the national government would offer additional livelihood programs beyond financial assistance, similar to TUPAD program.

(Hopefully, the community or organization for the Muslims not only here in Pagadian, but also in other municipalities, will strengthen their groups.)

The TUPAD program is one of the government’s flagship programs aimed at providing emergency employment opportunities to workers affected by the pandemic.

The financial assistance provided by the BPCC to its members through the TUPAD program is aimed at improving the livelihoods of the Bangsamoro people. Such initiatives, with support from the national and provincial governments, can potentially help workers secure stable and permanent employment opportunities in the future. (RVC/EDT/HTB/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)