Close To P19M In TUPAD Assistance Aids 783 Beneficiaries And Their Communities

Malay, Aklan- Nearly P19 million in Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) assistance provided temporary employment to a total of 783 beneficiaries across 9 municipalities in Aklan, helping them earn income while addressing pressing needs in their communities.

Implemented by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office VI, through the DOLE Aklan Field Office, the program covered beneficiaries from the municipalities of Ibajay, Batan, Buruanga, Malinao, Tangalan, Numancia, New Washington, Nabas, and Malay, who were engaged in various community projects from August 20 to September 19, 2026.

Beneficiaries worked on the clearing and desilting of canals to improve water flow, as well as the installation of water distribution pipelines to help provide more reliable water supply connections in their communities, particularly on the rice fields.

Jerry Salazar, a farmer and one of the TUPAD beneficiaries, has been cultivating rice fields for 25 years in Barangay Bagacay, Ibajay, Aklan. He expressed his gratitude for DOLE-TUPAD, which he said has provided much-needed assistance to his community. Through the cleaning of the irrigation system, water can flow more efficiently to their rice fields, helping sustain their livelihood.

“Nagpapasalamat po ako sa TUPAD dahil maliban sa 30 days na sahod na natanggap ko, nakatulong din ang proyekto sa aming mga palayan,” Salazar shared.

Meanwhile, Imelda Samar from Buruanga, Aklan became emotional as she recalled the devastating typhoons and severe flooding that had affected their community. She shared that, through the TUPAD program, their rivers and waterways are being cleaned and rehabilitated, helping improve water flow and providing benefits not only to their community but also to nearby barangays. For her, the opportunity to work through TUPAD is not only a source of income but also a chance to contribute to the improvement and resilience of their community.

“Maraming salamat, Atty. Rodriguez at Secretary Tolentino sa programang ibinigay ninyo sa amin. Malaking tulong po ito para sa aming mga taga-Aklan,” Samar added.

The beneficiaries were also involved in the reopening, rehabilitation, repair, and maintenance of community facilities, including the rehabilitation of Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (BDRRM) offices.

The said TUPAD implementation is in line with the administration’s focus under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on providing employment and livelihood opportunities for Filipinos, particularly workers facing economic displacement and seasonal or limited employment opportunities.

Through the TUPAD program, beneficiaries are able to earn income while contributing to initiatives that help improve local infrastructure and support the livelihoods of the residents in the area demonstrating how short-term employment can create a meaningful and lasting impact to the community.