Cebu Province has launched a short-term employment program to support small farmers and fisherfolk affected by economic uncertainties stemming from tensions in the Middle East.
Through the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, vulnerable sectors will receive temporary income support to help mitigate the impact on local food production and daily earnings.
The initiative follows discussions between the Department of Labor and Employment in Central Visayas (DOLE 7) and Cebu provincial officials, signaling a coordinated effort to prevent income disruption at the grassroots level.
Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Roldan Saragena said the program was finalized after a meeting between DOLE 7 Director Atty. Roy Buenafe and Provincial Administrator Ace Durano roughly two weeks ago.
Under the program, farmers will be offered temporary work while waiting for crops to reach harvest, a period that typically lasts three to four months.
Beneficiaries will receive P540 per day for 10 days each month, providing steady income during the planting-to-harvest gap.
For fisherfolk, TUPAD provides alternative livelihood activities on days when fishing is not possible due to poor weather, low catch, or safety concerns.
Tasks may include repairing boats and nets or engaging in other community-based work that supports their livelihoods.
Saragena noted that individuals already enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) are not eligible for TUPAD.
“Those farmers and fisherfolk already receiving 4Ps benefits cannot join TUPAD, but they may be considered under DOLE’s second program, Itak at Lambat,” he said.
To ensure proper targeting, the Provincial Agriculture Office coordinated with local agriculture units to identify beneficiaries, prioritizing small-scale producers with annual earnings around P35,000 and limiting support to one member per household.
So far, 35 local government units across Cebu—including northern, southern, and western areas—have submitted initial beneficiary lists. (SBA)
