Leyte: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has initiated a PHP29.4 million emergency employment assistance program for 3,000 workers in Leyte province, engaging them in activities such as tree and crop planting.
According to Philippines News Agency, DOLE - Eastern Visayas announced that the 20-day program, which began in the last week of August, involves workers in communal gardening, tree planting, and coastal mangrove planting. This effort is a collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture (DA), the Office of the First Congressional District of Leyte, and local government units (LGUs) from Palo, Tanauan, Alangalang, Sta. Fe, Tolosa, San Miguel, and Babatngon.
Under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program, each participant will receive PHP9,400 upon the program's completion. The initial batch of workers is spread across seven municipalities to ensure widespread coverage in the district. Specifically, Palo, Tanauan, and Alangalang host 600 beneficiaries each, while Sta. Fe, Tolosa, San Miguel, and Babatngon accommodate 300 workers each.
DOLE reported that beneficiaries have been preparing and cleaning designated sites while waiting for the delivery of seeds and other planting materials. The communal gardening is intended to bolster local food production, while the tree and mangrove planting efforts aim to protect natural resources, enhance climate resilience, and prevent environmental degradation.
Joan N. Noya-Nidua, DOLE - Eastern Visayas Director, stated that additional workers in the region are anticipated to benefit as the program's subsequent phases are implemented. The initiative seeks to merge temporary employment assistance with activities that yield long-term community benefits, 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.
