A total of 772 disadvantaged workers from Tarlac City and Paniqui have received ₱4,197,600 in wages through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.

DOLE Tarlac Provincial Head Jose Roberto Navata said the 10-day emergency employment was implemented in partnership with the Provincial Government of Tarlac (PGT) and local government units. Beneficiaries were tasked with community and public space clean-up initiatives.

In addition to wage assistance, 50 selected beneficiaries also received Skills Training on Meat Processing through the PGT Tarlac Center for Learning and Skills Success, accredited by TESDA. The training taught participants how to prepare longganisa, tocino, ham, and siomai—skills they can use to start small businesses or pursue employment.

Navata emphasized that this dual approach of providing immediate income and practical training demonstrates DOLE’s commitment to both short-term relief and long-term livelihood sustainability. Beneficiaries expressed deep gratitude for the support, citing its role in helping them meet their current needs and build future opportunities.