BONTOC, Mountain Province – The municipal government, through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), recently conducted an orientation-seminar for the 270 beneficiaries of the DOLE’s “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Displaced/Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD)” Program on September 2, 2024, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol Auditorium.
According to Labor Employment Officer Jenelyn Caluza, the PhP8 million which was allocated for the wages of the TUPAD beneficiaries is funded by the DOLE, in response to the request from Mayor Jerome “Chagsen” Tudlong, Jr., for funding. The funds will be downloaded to the municipal government which will be in charge of the distribution of the wages to the TUPAD workers.
It is to be noted that during one of his travels in August, the Mayor met with DOLE Undersecretary Felipe “Jhunie” N. Egargo, Jr., to personally follow up on his request for funds for the TUPAD Program and various livelihood assistance initiatives.
In his message, Tudlong expressed his utmost gratitude to DOLE for its unwavering support in providing employment opportunities for the residents of Bontoc and emphasized the importance of the program in the improvement and development of the municipality.
“We are very much grateful to our partner stakeholder from the DOLE for bringing the TUPAD Program to our community. This initiative offers more than just short-term employment. It serves as a crucial effort in supporting those who are struggling with economic challenges. We will continue to work with DOLE to improve the lives of the people of Bontoc,” Tudlong added.
Likewise, the mayor emphasized his commitment to seeking further assistance from other national agencies to support the municipal government’s various programs aimed at improving the quality of life for the public and advancing the development of the municipality.
During the orientation, DOLE-MP’s Focal Person for TUPAD Mylene Palaleo, explained that the TUPAD workers will be deployed in their respective barangays for 15 days at a minimum wage under the supervision of barangay officials.
They will work on environmental projects such as repair, maintenance, and/or upgrading of common public amenities and infrastructures, debris clearing, canal de-clogging, debris segregation and materials recovery, stockpiling, and clearing. Community projects such as repair, maintenance, and/or restoration of farm-to-market roads, bridges, and public markets. Community agroforestry operations such as tree planting, seedling preparation, and replanting.
Securing funds from the national government for the benefit of the community, such as the TUPAD Program, is part of the present administration’s vision, which is “ENLANGAKHA: Achieving the Vision for a Dynamic Bontoc.” One of its pillars is to Empower Communities. By Shannon Anthea S. Pagaduan
