FAO recognizes PH DOLE program for informal workers

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized the Philippines' Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for its TUPAD program, which provides emergency employment to informal sector workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The FAO report highlighted that only 11 countries out of 84 introduced social protection measures specifically targeted at vulnerable informal sector workers, with the Philippines being one of them.

Under the modified TUPAD #BKBK program, workers receive 10 days of employment involving disinfection and sanitation work in their communities, paid at the highest prevailing minimum wage, along with safety orientation and group micro-insurance enrollment.

As of April 24, over 259,000 workers have participated in TUPAD #BKBK across all regions, exceeding the initial target of 235,949 beneficiaries, with more than half a million pending requests due to limited funds.