The Department of Labor and Employment has proven once again that its flagship emergency employment program serves not only to aid displaced workers, but a platform to boost socio-economic and environmental initiatives for the community.

In Sual, Pangasinan, the Local Government Unit leveraged on DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) for its greening projects that do not only push for environmental sustainability, but also the empowerment of indigenous communities and vulnerable workers.

About 120 TUPAD workers from barangays Pangascasan, Poblacion and Baquien were tapped for a tree-planting project in Sitio Baito, a mountainous area identified as a National Greening Program site.

The activity was part of their 10-day work period on February 1-10, 2023, where they received a total of P4,00o as wage.

They planted native tree seedlings such as acacia, narra and fire tree.

They also planted arabica coffee seedlings, which shall soon provide livelihood to women and indigenous peoples (IP) residing in the upland community.

“The members of the Samahan ng Kababaihan ng Sitio Baito volunteered for the upkeep of the seedlings, since sooner they will harvest and benefit from the fruits of these trees,” said DOLE Western Pangasinan Field Office (WPFO) Head Darwin Hombrebueno.

The group, composed of women belonging to the Kankanaey IP, was registered with DOLE as a rural workers association (RWA) in 2019. DOLE WPFO now prepares the group to receive livelihood intervention on coffee processing, through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program.

“This TUPAD project is a clear picture of how the power of convergence can yield maximum results for our beneficiaries,” said DOLE Regional Director Exequiel Ronie A. Guzman.

“Through proper program complementation and strategic collaboration with our partners, we effect a more lasting impact of our government programs, and we also empower constituents as partners for change,” he said.

Meanwhile, LGU Sual through the leadership of Mayor Liseldo Calugay commits to work stronger with DOLE for the sustainability of the projects.

PESO Manager Janette Ludivina Andaya and MENRO Angelica Reyes shall continue to oversee the community, so that when the trees grow, the entire town grows as well.

 

Last Updated on March 24, 2023 by Кристель Рамирес