BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – Uswag Ilonggo party-list’s Cong. Jojo Ang welcomed approximately 6,800 beneficiaries during an orientation for the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged / Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
Held at the covered gym of the University of San Agustin on September 13, the event saw thousands of determined participants defying heavy monsoon rains enhanced by Severe Tropical Storm Bebinca to attend the final briefing before their deployment.
The DOLE TUPAD program, which provides short-term employment to displaced and disadvantaged workers, was praised by Congressman Ang for its significant impact on the community.
“Nanamian gid kita sang ini nga programa,” said Ang, expressing his admiration for the initiative. “TUPAD gives our beneficiaries not just assistance but a sense of pride because they earn their wages through hard work.”
Ang reaffirmed his commitment to the Ilonggo community, saying, “We’ve been doing this continuously since 2022. This is just the beginning — there’s more to come. We hope to reach more people, though our current venues can’t accommodate everyone.”
He further emphasized that the TUPAD program is not limited to Iloilo City but also benefits other provinces and districts.
“This program is part of President (Ferdinand) Bongbong Marcos Jr. administration, funded by people’s money and returned to them through initiatives like this,” he added.
The congressman stressed the importance of the TUPAD program in addressing immediate needs while also helping stimulate the local economy, benefiting both the beneficiaries and the wider community.
The program is also in partnership with DOLE-6 director Sixto Rodriguez.
Also present at the event were Executive Assistant Raisa Treñas of Iloilo City’s Mayor Jerry Treñas, city councilors, and officials from DOLE Region 6 and Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Iloilo City, showing unified support for the program’s beneficiaries.
DOLE TUPAD, a 10-day work commitment, continues to be a critical program in providing emergency employment for disadvantaged workers, particularly in challenging times, making a lasting impact on the livelihood of thousands of Ilonggos./PN
