The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) has been a vital source of financial support for thousands of workers in Eastern Visayas, but recent discrepancies in payouts have raised concerns among beneficiaries.
As of August 2024, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has registered a total of 267,788 beneficiaries in Eastern Visayas, bringing the cumulative total from 2022 to 2024 to 689,676.
Despite the significant number of beneficiaries, the payout process has been plagued by controversies and conflicts within the community.
In 2022, DOLE recorded 184,035 beneficiaries, while in 2023, the number increased to 235,853.
The total budget for 2024 is set at P1.9 billion, but as of August, only P700,000 has been distributed.
Policies or politics?
Among the issues regarding the benefit is the allegations that only the "pinaka hirani ha luwag" makes it into the list of beneficiaries.
Some also claim that several persons had been listed twice, even thrice, occupying the limited slots and leaving other deserving individuals excluded.
Furthermore, the lack of transparency in the payout process has led to accusations of corruption and mismanagement.
"There's a lack of accountability in how the funds are being distributed," one local beneficiary rants.
It is said that some facilitators organized a scheme with other locals to make this happen.
It is alleged that there are instances where beneficiaries would pay half of what they would receive to the person in charge of the lists in exchange for a sure spot.
These issues are being talked about in broad daylight, however, these allegations are yet to be addressed properly.
Fix the process
As the situation continues to unfold, workers in Eastern Visayas are left wondering when will the system be peaceful and transparent enough.
While it is true that the people in Eastern Visayas feel favored by the present administration, it is also important to keep in mind whether these activities would actually benefit the public in the long run.
As the saying goes, "give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
With the continuous pour of funds, others are concerned that this may lead the people to rely solely on these payouts.
DOLE says they are yet to conduct a study on the effects of the services to the productivity of its beneficiaries.
While the intent may be good, the government should also take into consideration the darker aspects of cash assistance over subsidies.
In terms of long-term sustainability, subsidies may be useful in addressing systemic issues and creating lasting impact.
However, cash assistance can be more effective in empowering individuals and promoting autonomy.
The government should be able to strike a balance between these two and not use cash assistance as a tool for political agenda.
TUPAD payout: Following the policies or following the politics?
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