Rizal Rep. Fidel Nograles highlighted the necessity of institutionalizing a program that provides aid to displaced workers despite the country’s steady recovery from the pandemic.
“We still need a permanent Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program to be implemented in the entire Philippines,” Nograles, chair of the House of Representatives Labor and Employment Committee said.
“The reality is that there will always be crises that will result in the loss of work of vulnerable sectors. We need the TUPAD program for such eventualities so that the government is empowered to help those who lose their jobs,” the lawmaker added.
Nograles’ committee has consolidated various bills on the program’s institutionalization.
The TUPAD is a cash-for-work program that provides emergency employment to displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers.
Beneficiaries are employed in various government projects such as cleanups, construction and maintenance, and tree-planting, among others, for a period of 15 to 90 days.
Nograles expressed confidence that the measure would be passed by both houses of Congress.
“TUPAD is a worthy and meaningful program that helps our peopme in times of crisis. That’s why we believe that it can be enacted,” said the lawmaker.
The budget for the TUPAD this 2024 is P30 billion.