ILOILO CITY (PIA) -- Some 47 rebel returnees were recently provided with employment assistance through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanap-Buhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

Each beneficiary was given P4,500.00 wages for rendering 10 days of community service.

These “TUPAD” recipients were engaged in performing community services such as communal gardening, tree planting, road and coastal cleaning, de-clogging of canals, grass cutting, and dumpsite clearing.  

“This is DOLE’s contribution in helping alleviate poverty, especially to the underserved and hard-to-reach sectors in the far-flung areas,” said DOLE 6 regional director lawyer Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr.

Rodriguez added that the implementation of the project is part of DOLE’s commitment to help promote peace in the countryside and to end the local armed conflict by providing assistance through its poverty alleviation programs such as TUPAD.

Meanwhile, alias “Junjun,” a once-school dropout shared that he wants to continue his studies so he can find a permanent job for his future and for his family.

He narrated that he was only a teenager when he started defying the government, but after only a month with the movement, he experienced hardships that made him decide to go back to society.

Now at home, Junjun is helping his father cultivate their small farm and would work other tasks for extra income just as the opportunity like the TUPAD.

“Ibakal kang bugas namon. Duro gid nga salamat DOLE sa obra nga gintugro niyo (I will buy rice for my family. Thank you so much DOLE for the employment),” noted Junjun when asked what he will do with his salary from the labor department’s program.

Moreover, the rebel returnees were provided with personal protective equipment and GSIS premium accident insurance, which guarantees their protection in cases of accidents. (AAL/AGP/PIA 6 with reports from the DOLE 6)