tupad

DOLE XI to implement P28-million TUPAD assistance for quake-affected communities in Davao Region

IN RESPONSE to the powerful earthquakes that struck Davao Region on Oct. 10, 2025, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office XI (DOLE XI) will implement the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program for a total of 5,450 beneficiaries with a P28,067,500 allocation across the Davao Region.

The earthquakes, recorded at magnitudes 7.4 and 6.8, respectively, had their epicenter in Manay, Davao Oriental, severely impacting several municipalities and displacing thousands of families. As of Oct. 11, 2025, the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental reported 70,142 affected families, with the highest numbers in the municipalities of Governor Generoso, Banaybanay, and Manay.

Out of the total TUPAD allocation, 4,950 beneficiaries will come from Davao Oriental, while the remaining 500 beneficiaries will be distributed across Davao City, Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, and Davao Occidental. Included in the Php28,067,500 total fund is Php2,575,000 earmarked for these beneficiaries in other parts of the region.

The majority of the implementation will be concentrated in the Municipality of Manay, the hardest hit by the recent tremors. Beneficiaries will engage in debris segregation, materials recovery, stockpiling, clearing operations, and waste management activities in affected areas. The emergency employment program will run for 10 days beginning Oct. 13, 2025.

The allocated amount is inclusive of micro-insurance coverage for all beneficiaries to ensure their safety and protection while performing rehabilitation-related tasks.

DOLE XI regional director Atty. Randolf C. Pensoy reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to extend immediate support to displaced workers through emergency employment. “Through TUPAD, we aim to help workers rebuild their lives by providing temporary income and livelihood while contributing to the restoration of their communities,” Pensoy said.

BFAR XI lifts fishing ban in Davao Gulf

THE ANNUAL closed fishing season in Davao Gulf was officially lifted starting Sept. 1, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XI announced Monday.

The three-month ban, from June 1 to Aug. 31, was enforced under Joint Administrative Order No. 02 series of 2014 of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The ban aims to protect small pelagic fish species, such as, but not limited to, big-eyed scad (matambaka), mackerel (karabalyas), and round scad (galunggong).

The seasonal closure is part of the long-term strategy of the bureau to ensure the sustainability of Davao Gulf’s fisheries and aquatic resources, BFAR XI regional director Relly B. Garcia said in a statement.

“This is a science-based approach to conservation. But we also recognize the economic impact on our coastal communities, which is why we mobilized a multi-agency support initiative to assist affected fisherfolk,” Garcia said.

Davao Gulf, spanning at least 5,200 square kilometers, is considered a critical breeding ground for small and large pelagic species, including those listed in the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES). To date, there are 19 marine protected areas in the five cities and five municipalities surrounding the body of water.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, Davao Region produced 16,126 metric tons of fish in the first quarter of this year, up 17.8% for the same period in 2024. Of the total, about 62% were commercial and marine fishing production, or 2,321.56 metric tons and 7,646.23 metric tons, respectively.

BFAR XI reported that the affected fisherfolk were provided aid during the closed season..

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) XI distributed 3,271 food packs across the region.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) XI provided a total of 398 chickens and 12 goats in Davao del Sur, Davao Occidental, and Davao City, with additional livestock dispersal activities pending availability.

A total of 200 slots for short-term employment under its Tulong Pang-hanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program was also allocated by the Department of Labor and Employment XI.

BFAR XI-National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP) continued to conduct fish stock assessment monitoring and participate in the oceanographic survey aboard led by the MV/DA-BFAR DYCA Research Vessel.

The study, which runs from Aug. 11 to Oct. 10, covers 25 sampling stations, in aid of monitoring water quality and the abundance of larval species, comparing results with previous surveys across the Gulf.

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