Local fisherfolk and coastal community members in Davao City benefited from the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program through the convergence program between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the region.
In line with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s efforts to strengthen local industries and expand employment, under the TUPAD program, a total of 70 beneficiaries each received PHP 5,100 cash assistance after completing community activities such as tree planting and clean-up drives.
The program ensures that communities receive short-term income and long-term livelihood support through BFAR’s expertise in aquaculture and fisheries management with DOLE’s employment assistance.
Celso P. Mandayang, a 62-year-old fisher who began fishing at the age of 17, shared that the financial aid from DOLE is highly beneficial to him, considering that he doesn’t always catch a bulk of fish.
“Kung gamay ra ang kuha sa dagat, mosulod ko og laing trabaho sama sa pagtrabaho og konstruksyon aron lang makasuporta sa akong pamilya, basta naa ra koy mauli sa akong pamilya. Maong dako kaayong tabang ning programa sa DOLE. Samtang wala pa’y maayong kuha sa isda naa mi’y trabaho [When the catch from the sea is small, I take other jobs like construction work just to support my family, just to have something to bring home. That’s why this DOLE program is such a huge help. While waiting for better catch, we still have work],” he said.
Through the convergence effort, DOLE and BFAR collectively ensure the sustained livelihoods of residents, food security, and improved lives of families living by the sea.
