839 Ifugao workers receive P5.4M lifeline under TUPAD Program

Banaue, Ifugao – More than 800 displaced and seasonal workers in Ifugao province recently received over P5.4 million in wages under the government’s emergency employment program, providing temporary relief to families grappling with limited sources of income.

The payout, facilitated by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Ifugao, was conducted on February 19 in Banaue and on February 20 in Hingyon, in partnership with the concerned local government units (LGUs).

According to DOLE-Ifugao, a total of 654 beneficiaries in Banaue were paid P7,050 each after rendering 15 days of service, while 185 recipients in Hingyon received P4,700 each after completing 10 days of work.

A total of P5,480,200 in assistance was released to beneficiaries under the agency’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) Program.

TUPAD provides short-term employment to displaced or seasonal workers across the country while they search for permanent jobs.

Beyond providing financial aid, the program enables workers to undertake community-based projects in their respective areas, allowing them to contribute to local development while earning wages for their families.

Over the years, TUPAD has become one of the government’s key labor interventions at the local level. While there is no publicly available data on the total number of TUPAD beneficiaries in Ifugao in recent years, reports from the Provincial DOLE Office show that the program has already benefited thousands of residents through multiple batches.

More residents are expected to be assisted once additional funds become available.