The Department of Agriculture (DA) Bicol together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) held the initial payout and awarding of training certificates for the DA-DOLE TUPAD Convergence Project today, June 10, at the DA Covered Courts, San Agustin, Pili, Camarines Sur.
A total of 40 TUPAD workers received their initial wages. Twenty-seven of whom were deployed under the DA Research Division, while 13 were assigned at the DA Central Bicol Experiment Station (CBES).
Meanwhile, the Sorsogon Dairy Production and Technology Center (SDPTC) also conducted its payout, and the rest of the beneficiaries assigned to other research outreach stations across the region will soon follow.
This first disbursement follows a twice-a-month payout schedule, with releases scheduled every 15th and 30th of the month. The payout marks the completion of the workers’ first 40 days of their 90-day employment period under the TUPAD program. Beneficiaries are compensated at ₱395 per day for community-based work, which includes agricultural support services and participation in capacity-building training sessions.
During the program, several grantees shared their meaningful experiences and learnings they gained from the program, and expressed their gratitude to the DA and DOLE for the opportunity.
Some key officials present during the activity were DA OIC-RTD for Research and Regulations Lorenzo Alvina who represented DA Bicol Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla; DA Research Division Chief and Project Proponent Dr. Maria Christina Campita; DOLE Provincial Director Ella Verano; DOLE Senior Labor Employment Officer Cherry Jay Brosola; and DILEEP Focal Person Leslie Ann Tormes.
In his message, Alvina acknowledged the value of the knowledge and skills acquired by the beneficiaries in their work. He also expressed hope that these learnings would serve as a foundation for the participants’ future livelihood endeavors.
Verano, on the other hand, commended the beneficiaries for being the only batch to be granted the full 90-day implementation of the TUPAD program. She emphasized how rare this opportunity is and encouraged them to maximize the benefits of their involvement.
Formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement on February 18, 2025, the DA-DOLE TUPAD Convergence Project is a pioneering initiative of the DA Bicol Research Division aimed at equipping vulnerable individuals with livelihood skills, and empowering beneficiaries with both income and knowledge to support long-term sustainability. (By: Emie Jane B. Malonzo – DA RAFIS 5)
Source: Photo credit: Z. Abogado – DA RAFIS 5