GENERAL SANTOS CITY (PIA) — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Region 12 has recently tapped 100 beneficiaries of TUPAD, or “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers,” in a move to strengthen the region’s aquaculture sector.
The TUPAD beneficiaries will participate in a specialized aquaculture work immersion program, which consists of a 90-day hands-on training at aquaculture farms directly under the supervision of their potential employers.
Of the 100 beneficiaries, 48 from General Santos City and 36 from Sarangani have recently begun their immersion work, while the remaining 16 from Sultan Kudarat have yet to start.
Hired TUPAD beneficiary Joseph Abrigon Layudan, a 48-year-old laborer and fisherman from Barangay Katubao in Kiamba, Sarangani, shared his story, expressing deep gratitude to the government for what he described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, becoming emotional as he spoke.
“Salamat sir sa mga programa ninyo na nakaabot sa among kamot. Dili lang para sa trabaho, kundi para sa among pamilya. Sa 90 days nga training, naa mi skills, allowance, ug kung mapasar namo, naa pa gyud mi certificate gikan sa inyoha,” Layudan conveyed.
(Thank you, sir, for your programs that have reached our community. It’s not just for work, but also for our families. In this 90-day training, we gain skills, allowances, and if we pass, we will even receive a certificate from you.)
Layudan disclosed that his training includes shrimp farming and maintaining the site, which involves repairing seawalls to safeguard the fishponds.
“Wala mi benepisyo sukad, karon pa jud ni nahitabo sa 48 years nakong trabaho (We never received any benefits before; this is the first time it happened in my 48 years of working),” Layudan added, extending his gratitude to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the aquaculture employers, and the agencies involved.
DOLE Regional Director Joel M. Gonzales described the program as being very “unlike” the typical short-term cleanup and community-based tasks that beneficiaries usually engage in under the TUPAD program.
“Hindi ito ‘yung usual na TUPAD (This is not the usual TUPAD), but they will be there immersed in terms of training, and they will be paid, kasi nagtatrabaho sila for ninety days. After 90 days, they will gain skills they can use to get hired or start associations that can respond to the industry’s manpower needs,” he explained.
This new approach, he noted, reflects the agency’s commitment to aligning labor interventions with the needs of the local economy.
The goal is to equip workers with certifiable micro-credentials, which can lead to long-term employment or the establishment of small aquaculture cooperatives, Gonzales said.
The program is implemented in collaboration with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
Gonzales added that the initiative is also supported by a strong multi-sectoral partnership with the Aquaculture Industry Tripartite Council (ITC), which was launched during the Labor Day celebration.
The ITC comprises PhilExport, BFAR, TESDA, and the Commission on Human Rights, along with representatives from the International Labor Organization serving as witnesses.
Through its Adjustment Measures Program, the DOLE also awarded P400,000 in livelihood grants to selected aquaculture farmers to improve their production and technology use.
Gonzales highlighted the interconnectedness of industry support and workforce development through collaboration and partnership with other line agencies.
He expressed confidence that the program will address not only manpower needs but also promote responsible and sustainable aquaculture practices in Region 12.
The official believes the Aquaculture ITC, with over 50 member farms, will help enhance membership dynamics and boost the industry’s market interest, including potential export opportunities to Japan. (HJPF, PIA SarGen)
