For Mr. Reynaldo Garcia, a fisherfolk residing in the island barangay of San Agapito, Batangas City, the recent oil spill in Oriental Mindoro is more than just a news update but a threat to their day-to-day source of livelihood.

“Malaki po ang epekto nito sa mamamayan lalo na sa mga mangingisda…Kaya ang iba po ay iba ay naghanap ng ibang hanapbuhay tulad ng construction,” Mr. Garcia shared.

Mr. Garcia's story reflects the hundreds of oil spill-affected fisherfolks residing in six island barangays in Isla Verde, Batangas.

To grant relief to the affected workers, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. IV-A through its Batangas Provincial Office (DOLE BPO), conducted a Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Orientation at the island barangay of San Andres, Batangas City, May 11.

With the utmost joy, Mr. Garcia shared that the program can now aid him and his fellow affected fisherfolks through emergency employment amid the crisis.

“Napakalaking tulong nito sa aming pamilya. Lalo na po sa mga walang ikinabubuhay. Nagkakaroon sila ng mapagkukunan ng pambili. Napakalaking tulong nito sa mga mamamayan,” Mr. Garcia remarked.


DOLE BPO Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Focal Person, Ms. Salvacion Kalalo, explained the details and the process of TUPAD program.

“After po ninyong magtrabaho, ipo-process po namin ang inyong papel. So, antay antay lang din po, babalik po kami rito sa inyong lugar para po magpasweldo,” Ms. Kalalo uttered.

The beneficiaries need not worry about traveling by boat to the mainland for the payout. Ms. Kalalo shared that DOLE employees will distribute the salaries onsite to all qualified beneficiaries of TUPAD.

DOLE BPO Tupad Coordinators, Ms. Mae Ann Dimaano and Ms. Miah Ericka Salvador, also facilitated the conduct of TUPAD Orientation for three consecutive batches.
#


by:

APRIL ROSE N. MAGPANTAY
LEO III