TUPAD: A lifeline for the jobless

A job—even one that lasts only a few days—can mean the difference between food on the table or going to bed with an empty stomach for many Filipino families.

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In a country where poverty remains widespread, work—however temporary—offers dignity, security, and a crucial lifeline. With unemployment rate at 3.7 percent as of June 2025 (around 1.95 million Filipinos without jobs), the need for inclusive, accessible employment programs is an urgent concern.

The Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program plays a vital role in addressing this. By offering short-term, community-based employment to those most in need, TUPAD provides displaced and disadvantaged individuals a chance to earn, contribute, and survive—especially during times of crisis or economic downturn.

DOLE is pushing to institutionalize TUPAD—transforming it from a temporary emergency response initiative into a permanent, fully funded government program. This move has the potential to become a transformative engine for social inclusion and sustainable development.