KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has implemented an information management system as a measure to ensure transparency and prevent the duplication of beneficiaries under its flagship Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.

In 2023, the DOLE has managed to assist a total of128,134 individuals, which amounts to P587 million worth of salaries released to TUPAD beneficiaries.

Considering the increasing number of beneficiaries on an annual basis, DOLE has implemented the TUPAD Information Management System (TIMS) to ensure that there will be no duplication of beneficiaries of the program.

Kid Ernest Jones Rebuyon, TUPAD regional program manager in Soccsksargen, said they are utilizing the TIMS to monitor the project implementation nationwide.

TIMS, according to Rebuyon, plays a crucial role in preventing duplicate beneficiaries, a recurring issue that has plagued the program in the past.

“We have the TUPAD information management system. When we encode the names of beneficiaries, kapag nag-duplicate po, magpa-prompt po siya [when it detects duplicates, it will prompt],” he explained.

“Ang security ng system ngayon is mas napaigting pa po ng central office. So, basically this year, maiiwasan na po natin ang duplication ng beneficiaries and mas maiimplement na po natin ang guidelines natin,” he added.

[The security of the system has been strengthened by the central office. So, basically, this year, we can avoid the duplication of beneficiaries and better implement our guidelines.]

The TUPAD program is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed workers, and seasonal workers for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed 90 days, depending on the nature of the work to be performed.

“All disadvantaged workers aged 18 and older are qualified as program beneficiaries, provided that they are fit to work,” Rebuyon pointed out.

Based on the TUPAD guidelines, eligible beneficiaries can avail of the program once a year, except in cases of natural or human-induced disaster or calamity.

DOLE recognized that, as a one-time grant, TUPAD's financial assistance may not be enough to provide for the needs of beneficiaries in dire situations.

They also helped TUPAD beneficiaries get further assistance by referring them to other agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which also offers temporary employment to displaced individuals through its cash for work or its Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) for those experiencing unforeseen life events or crises, in accordance with DSWD requirements and guidelines. (ORVR - PIA Region 12)