TACLOBAN CITY — More than 142,000 disadvantaged and displaced workers in Eastern Visayas found relief in 2025 through the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (Tupad) program, which provided over P690 million in emergency employment assistance.

According to DOLE Eastern Visayas, a total of 142,825 workers across the region benefited from Tupad, a short-term employment initiative designed for individuals affected by economic disruptions, natural disasters, and other crises.

Of the total beneficiaries, 12,778 were assisted through Tupad projects implemented in coordination with other government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice–Parole and Probation Administration, and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

“Beyond providing temporary employment, Tupad brings hope and allows workers to support their families during difficult times,” said Regional Director Dax Villaruel, highlighting the program’s role in aiding the region’s most vulnerable sectors.

The program also contributes to community recovery and resilience, with beneficiaries engaged in community-based activities such as cleanup and rehabilitation, repair and maintenance of public facilities, and other projects that directly benefit local communities. Wages earned under Tupad help households meet basic needs and offset the impact of temporary livelihood losses.

DOLE credited the program’s success to strong coordination with local government units, partner agencies, and community stakeholders, ensuring that aid reached qualified beneficiaries across all provinces, cities, and municipalities in Eastern Visayas.

Tupad remains one of DOLE’s flagship programs, providing both immediate income support and a means to strengthen communities throughout the region.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)

TACLOBAN CITY — In a move to curb worsening damage to its road network, the provincial government of Leyte has approved an ordinance regulating the use of provincial roads by heavily loaded trucks, particularly those hauling sand and gravel materials.

The ordinance, authored by Leyte 5th District Board Member Carlo Loreto, was approved during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s first regular session for 2026 on Tuesday, January 13. It seeks to protect provincial infrastructure and ensure public safety in line with the mandate of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991.

Loreto cited a report from the Provincial Engineering Office showing that Leyte has around 594 kilometers of provincial roads, about 85 percent of which are already paved, while the remaining sections are gravel roads. Many of these roads, he said, have suffered severe damage due to the continued passage of overloaded dump trucks, particularly those operated by sand and gravel concessionaires.

The lawmaker warned that deteriorating roads disrupt trade, commerce, and the movement of people and goods across the province.

“It is incumbent upon us to protect the resources and property of the province of Leyte for the enjoyment of everybody and the promotion of trade and commerce,” Loreto said.

Leyte 1st District Board Member Ronan Christian Reposar underscored the importance of well-maintained roads, especially during calamities and disasters, noting that good road conditions are crucial for the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid and emergency response.
Under the ordinance, only two-axle or six-wheeler trucks with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 20,000 kilograms and loaded with quarry, sand, or gravel materials are allowed to use provincial roads in Leyte.

Violators face a P5,000 administrative fine per offense, impoundment of the vehicle until cleared by the Governor’s Office, and possible cancellation of sand and gravel permits after due process.

Cancellation proceedings may be initiated by deputized officers regardless of whether the permit was issued by the provincial government or the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
To ensure enforcement, the ordinance deputizes the Leyte Police Provincial Office, city and municipal police units, barangay officials, local treasurers, and the Provincial Sand and Gravel Task Force.

(ROEL T. AMAZONA)