The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has rolled out a PHP29.4 million emergency employment assistance program for 3,000 workers in Leyte province, engaging beneficiaries in tree and crop planting.
In a statement on Friday, DOLE – Eastern Visayas said that during the 20-day engagement that kicked off in the last week of August, workers are participating in activities that include communal gardening, tree planting, and coastal mangrove planting.
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), Office of the First Congressional District of Leyte, and the local government units (LGUs) of Palo, Tanauan, Alangalang, Sta. Fe, Tolosa, San Miguel, and Babatngon.
Under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, each worker will receive PHP9,400 upon completion of the program, bringing the total allocation for the initial batch to PHP29.4 million.
Beneficiaries were distributed across the seven municipalities to ensure broad coverage across the district. The LGUs of Palo, Tanauan, and Alangalang each have 600 beneficiaries, while Sta. Fe, Tolosa, San Miguel, and Babatngon each have 300 workers.
DOLE said that as an initial activity, beneficiaries have been preparing and cleaning identified sites while awaiting delivery of seeds and other planting materials.
The communal gardening component is intended to support local food production, while tree and mangrove planting activities aim to protect natural resources, strengthen climate resilience, and prevent environmental degradation.
DOLE – Eastern Visayas Director Joan N. Noya-Nidua said that more workers in the region are expected to benefit as subsequent phases of the program are implemented.
“More workers in the region are expected to benefit from the program as succeeding phases of implementation will be rolled out,” Noya-Nidua said.
The convergence initiative seeks to combine temporary employment assistance with activities that deliver longer-term benefits to communities, particularly in environmental protection, food production, and disaster and climate resilience.
The TUPAD program provides emergency employment for disadvantaged or displaced workers through community-based activities identified in coordination with local government units and other partner agencies. (PNA)
