The Department of Labor and Employment continues to strengthen its advocacy toward greener, more sustainable, and transformative jobs through the integration of green initiatives into its existing programs, such as the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.
Aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision for sustainable development and inclusive economic growth, the Labor Department has recently deployed TUPAD beneficiaries to undertake various green community projects, such as the coconut husk upcycling initiative in Manila.
Led by the DOLE–National Capital Region (DOLE–NCR) through its Manila Field Office, a total of 30 beneficiaries were deployed to a 30-day employment program to collect and upcycle coconut husks into marketable, eco-friendly products, including home décor, pots, bowls, soap holders, and jewelry. The initiative, which ran from October 21 to November 26, is a collaborative effort with the Manila Department of Public Services (DPS) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO).
Tagged as the first of its kind, the project not only provided temporary employment and livelihood opportunities but also promoted and strengthened workers’ participation in protecting the environment through green and community-based projects.
Such efforts are key to transitioning and ultimately achieving a green economy, where quality, future-ready, and green jobs and opportunities are within reach, in line with the National Green Jobs Human Resource Development (HRD) Plan 2020–2030.
Likewise, the Department continues to mobilize TUPAD workers in similar greening initiatives, such as the recent relaunch of the “Mapadayunong Tisuk” in Las Nieves, Agusan Del Norte, where around 800 workers were deployed for a massive high-value crop planting, as well as a 10-day coastal cleanup, tree planting, and gardening efforts involving 78 decommissioned combatants in Tipo-tipo, Basilan, last October 7.
Meanwhile, from June to September, 52 TUPAD beneficiaries in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, were engaged in a 66-day special work program involving the planting and nurturing of seedlings through the convergence project between DOLE and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
