The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic badly hit businesses and workers in the country.
Waking up early in the morning, Netcheal Contado prepares her homemade delicacies such as “bukayo” and “alupi” and sells them to neighbors. She earns P150 – P200 a day, just enough to buy kilos of rice and some viands for a day.
The 42-year-old widow works hard to raise her two children. Her husband died of cardiac arrest. Her 9-year-old daugther and 7-year-old son help her every day.
Things got even worse because of the pandemic. With limited movement and some restrictions, Netcheal was forced to stop peddling her products to keep safe and secure against COVID-19.
The pandemic made Netcheal worry about how she can earn money and provide for her family.
But as they always say, there’s always a rainbow after the rain. Netcheal was qualified to be one of the beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE)TUPAD program in Brgy. Naulid, Miagao, Iloilo.
TUPAD or Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed and seasonal workers, for a minimum period of 10 days, but not to exceed a maximum of 30 days, depending on the nature of work to be performed.
According to DOLE-6 information officer John Mandario, the program provides a source of income to all beneficiaries, especially that most of them were badly affected by the pandemic.
“This is a government program which helps our marginalized sector earn through their rendered services in the community. Gina select ini sang aton brgy kag ginagaan opportunity ang mga deserving gid nga mga pumuluyo to earn para sa ila pamilya,” he explained.
The payment of wages of the TUPAD beneficiaries is coursed through a money remittance service provider to ensure standard application across all regions in terms of mechanics and service fee costs.
In cases where an accredited co-partner is involved in the implementation, the ACP (including LGUs) shall facilitate the payment of wages of the TUPAD beneficiaries using a prescribed payroll, with representative/s from DOLE RO/PO/FO as witness/es.
With the DOLE TUPAD program, Netcheal, a single mother, had the chance to earn after doing service for 10 days in the community. They cleaned the sorrounding and did some extra gardening from 9 am to 11am.
“Dako gid ang nabulig sang programa kay sang una nga wala pa pandemic, makalibod pako kakanin, subong wala na gawa. Salamat gid sa DOLE TUPAD kay nataw-an kami sang alternative nga source of income. Tani matapos na ang pandemya kag mabalik na sa normal para makaubra na kami,” she said.
Meanwhile, for senior citizen Rebecca Fieldad, she said the program of DOLE really helped her in buying medicines.
At 64, Rebecca, a housekeeper, also struggled to find a source of income this pandemic. Her husband, who is a fisherman and a senior citizen also, were limited to go outside because of the fear of COVID-19.
She can’t even go to local pharmacy stores to buy medicines because she won’t be allowed to go out. One of her worries is how to earn in the middle of pandemic.
Her only source of income is selling some plants but because of the pandemic, buying of plants is not a priority of the people. Because of this, she struggled to find a way to buy her medicines.
But a spark of light came in the way because of the TUPAD program. Like Netcheal, she got the chance to work under the program and earn P280 a day that helps her sustain her medications.
“Isa ka ginaproblema namon is pano maka kwarta kay pareho kami senior citizen. Kauna nga wala COVID, maka income kmi bisan sa mga tanom lng kag mga utan nga ginabaligya. Subong wala gid kay Indi man kami kagwa. Salamat kay may amo sini nga programa nga dako gid ang bulig sa amon. Tani mag sige sige pa ini para damo ang maka benepisyo,” Rebecca shared.
The program of the DOLE also supported not just senior citizens and indigents but also persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Margue Sabla-on, a deaf and a spinster, also benefited from the said project. She also expressed her gratitude not just because she was included in the program, but also for prioritizing them (PWDs) and extending their help to such people.
The DOLE-Tupad Program for the Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers in San Joaquin, Iloilo also started their community service in Tobog Beach Resort in Brgy. Cata-an.
In a Facebook page of Tobog, they lauded the government’s efforts through the DOLE for introducing the project which really help workers in times like these.
“These are proofs nga ginatuman ang amon responsibilidad kag we are committed to serve our community paagi sa pagpaninlo sa amon designated areas. Hindi lang ang Tobog kundi ang iban man nga resorts and restaurants workers/beneficiaries, gabuligay sa pag-maintain kang matinlo nga komunidad sa tagsa ka lugar sa banwa kang San Joaquin,” Tobog captioned.
Based on the data released by the DOLE-6, as of Oct. 15, a total of P558, 079, 289 were distributed to 135, 625 beneficiaries in Western Visayas.
Iloilo has the highest number of workers, totaling to 55,645. They received P217,693,561. Negros Occidental came in second with 38,558 workers getting P175,308,315, followed by Capiz with 16,812 workers who received P72,824,175; Antique, with 10,892 workers who have received P23,488,675; Aklan with 8,829 workers received P48, 065, 578.
The TUPAD program also supported 4,888 workers who got P20,698,986.IMT
