QUEZON CITY -- Taking advantage of the labor department’s flagship Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, a nineteen-year-old student from Tacurong City managed to launch and upscale her pastry business.
A student of Southern Mindanao Institute of Science and Technology taking up Technical Vocational Teacher Education major in Food Service Management, Caila Percon drew an inspiration to start a cake business when she received a gift of gas range from her mother. However, mobility restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic prevented her business from kicking off.
The labor department’s TUPAD program through the Sangguniang Kabataan of the City of Tacurong gave her another chance to launch her business.
Her eventual inclusion in the program enabled her to earn enough money that allowed her to buy equipment and raw materials she needed for her cake business.
She also used her social media know-how in marketing her cake and pastry products. As a result, Caila now earns a net income of P4,000 a month, providing her and her family an additional source of livelihood.
“The likes of Caila, who demonstrate drive and determination to make better of their lives, is a testament that the department’s programs make a difference in people’s lives. This, in turn, inspires us to continue serving our people,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.
From her end, Caila expressed gratitude for the support provided her by the department. “I thank the DOLE for helping the affected youth especially in this challenging time of pandemic. I’m planning to establish a cupcake store and save money for the coming semester,” she said.
Regional Director Raymundo Agravante also lauded Caila for her efforts to improve her family’s situation: “The department is proud to have beneficiaries like Caila who juggles her online class and her desire to become productive in terms of micro entrepreneurship ventures. It’s inspiring to help young people like her.”
TUPAD is one of the programs of the department that helps the marginalized sectors earn some income through emergency employment. (DOLE)
