Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur – The Department of Labor and Employment IX- Zamboanga del Sur Field Office, in coordination with the 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion and Lindongan Farmers Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LIFABEMCO), its accredited co-partner, led the TUPAD Payout to 41 FRs/ Friends Rescued housed at the Project Good Life Village located at Camp Major David Sabido, Brgy. Poblacion, Municipality of Guipos, Zamboanga Del Sur.
As part of the Commitment of Regional Director Roy Buenafe to support the plight of FRs in the integration into the mainstream society is employment facilitation assistance, A total of PHP 129,560.00 was released under the TUPAD Program, where FRs earned P 3,160.00 each. The said beneficiaries had worked for 4 hours a day for ten days for their community’s Clean and Green related activities.
Before the 10 Days of work, FRs were oriented on the Salient Features of the TUPAD Program and emphasized the importance of Occupational Safety and Health advocacy among the beneficiaries. They were provided with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as sweatshirt, Face Mask and Gloves. FRs are also covered with one-year Insurance under the GSIS Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI).
Through its Field Office in Zamboanga del Sur, the Department of Labor and Employment IX headed by Atty Roy Buenafe supports the undertaking on Executive Order No. 70 or the Whole of Nation Approach to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC), that aims to bring sustainable solutions and services to help the Former Rebels/ Friends Rescued, including those of Victims of Armed Conflict, avail the services of different agencies to transit to the mainstream society. DOLE supports the community development mechanisms to end insurgencies in the country thru the provision of Temporary employment under the TUPAD Program.
TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced, underemployed, seasonal workers, including Indigenous Groups, Victims of Armed-Conflict, and Former Rebels/ Friends rescued.
During the activity, A Plaque of Appreciation for Atty. Roy Buenafe, DOLE IX Regional Director was presented as recognition for his enduring support and invaluable contributions rendered in the conduct of Project Good Life for Friend Rescued (FRs) in the province.
The said activity was graced by 53IB’s Civil-Military Operations (CMO) Officer 1Lt. George Yu Jr., Ms. Renita Daway-GM of LIFABEMCO, and other partner stakeholders.
The said payout was held at Good Life Village, Poblacion, Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur on February 8, 2022.
(Source: DOLE Zamboanga del Sur)