The Department of Labor and Employment in Davao Region (DOLE-11) has disbursed over PHP3.5 billion through its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, benefiting 591,107 individuals since 2022, an official said Tuesday.

During the “Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas” forum here, DOLE-11 Assistant Director Jason Balais said the program provided temporary wage employment to assist disadvantaged workers with their daily needs.

“The disbursement covers the whole of 2022 and the first half of 2024, with two years of implementation under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration,” Balais said.

Balais added that the region anticipates continued TUPAD assistance next year but said projections for 2025 would depend on several factors.

“We’re not hoping for calamities, but if they do occur, the national government will allocate funds to address worker displacement,” he noted.

TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides a safety net to disadvantaged workers aged 18 years old and above through temporary wage employment.

Aside from TUPAD, Balais highlighted the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which has provided PHP1 million in assistance to 15,966 beneficiaries since 2022, supporting livelihood initiatives that align with beneficiaries’ skills and promoting sustainable income opportunities.

The Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES) also supported 12,339 students during the same period, giving them work experience in both private and public establishments to help fund their education.

“The program not only assists students financially but also helps our local businesses by providing temporary labor,” Balais said.

Meanwhile, the Government Internship Program (GIP) empowered nearly 11,000 young people by offering internships in government offices, helping them develop skills and contribute to public service. (PNA)