KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment released a total of P69,208,093 worth of salaries to workers under the flagship Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program in Soccsksargen region for the first quarter of 2023.

Kid Ernest Jones Rebuyon, TUPAD regional focal said from January to March, 17,931 individuals from different provinces and cities have availed of the TUPAD assistance.

TUPAD program 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 to exceed 90 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.

Rebuyon revealed that TUPAD beneficiaries are also enrolled under the Group Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) for one year coverage.

“It is a package-assistance program because aside sa sahod na marereceive ng ating beneficiaries, makakatanggap din po sila or ie-enroll din natin sila sa microinsurance.”

In 2022, a total of 249,800 individuals have benefited from TUPAD program in the region. This amounts to P940,687,331 worth of salaries released. (PIA 12)