SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) extended financial aid to 2,718 El Niño-affected farmers in Occidental Mindoro through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program.

Under the program, the beneficiaries will render a minimum of 10 days of disaster mitigation activities in their respective barangays such as declogging sewages, maintaining irrigation systems, and cleaning works, and will be paid P395 a day.

DOLE Provincial Director Peter James Cortazar underscored that DOLE TUPAD is a testament to the government’s willingness and desire to support farmers who are gravely affected by the phenomenon.

“In tough times of El Niño’s challenges, DOLE is not just providing help; but also giving our farmers with hope, assuring them that these difficulties shall pass, and the government is here to support them,” Cortazar said.

Priscilla Dumalais, a farm worker from the municipality of Mamburao shared how the program helps the beneficiaries and the community as well.

“Lubos po ang pasasalamat namin sa DOLE at naisama po kami sa programang TUPAD, malaking tulong po ito sa aming mga magsasaka na walang permanenteng trabaho. Malaking tulong din po ito para mapanatili ang kalinisan ng aming barangay,” Dumalais said.

[We are grateful to DOLE for including us in the TUPAD program, it is a great help for us farmers, who do not have permanent jobs. The program also helps in maintaining the cleanliness in our barangay.]

TUPAD is one of the regular programs of DOLE focused on providing emergency employment for displaced or seasonal workers, aiming to aid their financial needs. Beneficiaries undergo preparations led by TUPAD staff to ensure their safety and preparedness while under the program. (DSG/PIA MIMAROPA – Occidental Mindoro)