CABARROGUIS, Quirino (PIA) — The members of the Quirino Furniture Industry Tripartite Council (QFITC) are pushing for the inclusion of tree planting under the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced (TUPAD) program.
DOLE Provincial Head Froctoso C. Agustin, co-chair of the council, expressed confidence that the tree planting project will successfully combine environmental conservation with emergency employment for disadvantaged workers.
“This initiative provides dual benefits: fostering environmental sustainability while also stimulating economic growth through the creation of short-term jobs,” Agustin said.
He further emphasized the importance of continued support from both the government and the private sector to ensure the sustainability of the project.
“As the tree planting progresses, it will not only involve the community in vital conservation efforts but also empower the local workforce through temporary employment opportunities provided by the DOLE TUPAD program,” Agustin added.
For his part, Alberto Cadavis Jr., vice-chair of the QFITC, highlighted that the initiative aims to support the local furniture industry by providing lumber while promoting environmental sustainability and offering job opportunities for tree planters in Quirino.
“Our goal is to address both ecological preservation and livelihood concerns in the region. We plan to employ at least 63 workers to plant trees in a four-hectare land, contributing to reforestation efforts and providing income for disadvantaged individuals,” Cadavis explained.
To kick off the project, an orientation session was held for tree planters, focusing on guidelines for transporting raw materials within the province. The session also emphasized the importance of adhering to environmental and legal standards to ensure sustainable practices. (OTB/TCB/PIA-2, QUIRINO)
