Reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguard the welfare of vulnerable workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reached over 17,000 workers and families in Surigao del Norte through its flagship programs in the first half of 2025.
DOLE–Surigao del Norte Field Office (DOLE–SDNFO), under the leadership of Regional Director lawyer Jason P. Balais, reported that it has extended P87.2 million in assistance across the province. The assistance is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to empower the workforce and combat poverty through employment opportunities and livelihood support.
Approximately P75.8 million in wages was distributed under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program to 16,844 disadvantaged workers, who received temporary community-based jobs such as coastal cleanup, street maintenance, and waste collection. Each worker received PHP 4,350, which is the prevailing minimum wage in the Caraga region.
Meanwhile, 395 beneficiaries obtained PHP 11.48 million in grants through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), which they described as ‘life-changing’ support. Through the DILP, the beneficiaries were able to establish small-scale enterprises and community-based livelihood projects designed for long-term sustainability.
These initiatives are part of the DOLE Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP), which provides livelihood and emergency employment assistance to marginalized and vulnerable sectors nationwide.
Surigao del Norte’s initiatives attest to DOLE’s nationwide efforts to ensure that assistance directly benefits Filipino workers and their families.
