The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 8 prepares for the implementation of seven TUPAD flagship innovations aimed at expanding employment, skills development and sustainable livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged workers in Eastern Visayas through stronger partnerships with local government units, industry players and other stakeholders. (Photo courtesy of DOLE-8)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is preparing to implement seven new initiatives under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program to expand employment, skills training and livelihood opportunities for disadvantaged workers in Eastern Visayas.
The initiatives seek to address employment challenges by providing workers with practical skills, workplace experience, educational assistance and opportunities to establish sustainable sources of income.
Among the programs are SkillPass, which focuses on skills development; Tropa Negosyo Trabaho, which supports entrepreneurship and employment; and Sagip-Trabaho, which assists workers affected by job disruptions.
Another initiative, KaHanap, offers qualified beneficiaries and first-time jobseekers up to 90 days of supervised workplace experience in micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with hiring needs.
The program aims to help participants develop job-related skills, gain hands-on experience and improve their chances of securing regular employment.
Other initiatives include Match Fund LGU, which strengthens partnerships with local governments for employment and livelihood projects; Tulong-Aral, which provides education-related assistance; and Trabahong-Dagat, which creates livelihood and employment opportunities in the fisheries and maritime sectors.
DOLE Eastern Visayas Regional Director Imelda Romanillos emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among government agencies, local government units and private businesses to ensure the programs reach more beneficiaries.
“Through stronger partnerships and convergence with our stakeholders, we can maximize the reach and impact of these programs and help more disadvantaged workers gain access to meaningful and sustainable employment,” Romanillos said.
DOLE OIC-Assistant Regional Director Martin Jequinto presented the seven initiatives to field office heads and program coordinators during the Regional Management Committee meeting on October 12, 2026.
The regional office subsequently conducted orientations and consultations with stakeholders throughout October and November to prepare for implementation.
DOLE said the initiatives are expected to improve access to employment assistance, strengthen workers’ capabilities and help disadvantaged communities achieve greater economic stability.
