CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Lanao del Norte has extended its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program to former violent extremists (FVEs) in Lanao del Sur and Marawi City, providing much-needed support for their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Criste O. Perfecto, the provincial head of DOLE Lanao del Norte, said the TUPAD program was launched in Lanao del Sur after an agreement between the DOLE Secretary and the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) to assist the FVEs and former rebels (FRs).
She said the program has 293 FVE beneficiaries in Lanao del Sur who have already received the payout for the first 10 work days.
“Twenty days ang ginawa nilang trabaho, then we will have another payout for that another 10 days, roughly amounting to P5 million,” she said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on September 17.
In addition to financial aid, the DOLE is actively working to help FVEs establish sustainable livelihoods.
“We also help them in their livelihood because the 103rd Infantry Brigade of Marawi is also helping those FVEs to be in a cooperative. And these cooperatives submitted livelihood proposals to the office, which we are evaluating,” she added.
Perfecto reiterated the commitment of DOLE to fostering strong partnerships with OPAPRU and the people of Lanao del Sur to help FVEs and FRs rebuild their lives and contribute positively to their communities. (APB/PIA-10 Lanao del Sur)
