At least 11,019 marginalized workers here have received the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) aid since October 2022, the Office of the First Congressional District Representative Paolo Duterte reported Monday.

Facilitated by the lawmaker’s office along with the Department of Labor and Employment in Davao Region (DA-11), the worker-beneficiaries include vendors, tailors, school maintenance, hair stylists, barbers, and cobblers.

In a statement, Duterte expressed optimism that the TUPAD program can help the beneficiaries’ families during challenging times.

“I am encouraging you to continually support the government’s efforts to provide programs for disadvantaged and displaced workers,” he said.

TUPAD is a community–based package of assistance that offers emergency service for displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers for at least 10 days, but not more than 30 days, depending on the nature of their work.

Most workers – primarily displaced and disadvantaged, unemployed, and senior citizens – from the informal sector worked on tree planting, community gardening, reforestation, road cleaning, drainage or canal declogging, community cleanup, and refurbishment of tourist attractions.

“We will continue to support those who are in need,” Duterte added.

Meanwhile, DOLE-11 also assured that the TUPAD program will continue to implement its flagship emergency employment program for distressed workers despite limited budgets. (PNA)