Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino announced that the government’s “Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced” or TUPAD Workers program will roll out nationwide starting Monday, June 1, with a target of deploying 240,000 beneficiaries to clean and repair classrooms in 5,000 schools across the country in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).
Tolentino made the announcement on DZRH News program “Special on Saturday” on May 30, describing the TUPAD rollout as timed to coincide with Brigada Eskwela preparations ahead of the incoming school year 2026-2027—providing both immediate employment and direct support to schools before classes open.
“Ang pag-aayos at pagkukumpuni ng mga classrooms ay magbibigay dapat at magbibigay nga ng trabaho sa ating mga kababayan nationwide,” he said.
The program will cover painting, cleaning, repair of facilities, and other classroom maintenance work, with Parent-Teacher Associations serving as partner organizations on the ground.
Tolentino said the rollout spans all regions simultaneously, covering nearly 240,000 classrooms. He said DOLE regional directors held a coordination meeting the day before to ensure smooth implementation.
Tolentino described the TUPAD expansion as a shift from its traditional image as a disaster-response measure, saying the program is now being used as a direct tool for stimulating the local economy. “Ang konsepto po ng TUPAD ay ‘yun talagang makatulong sa local economy,” he said.
The labor chief said the program is aligned with President Marcos’ directive to help displaced workers, and that the President himself is expected to lead part of the rollout.
