Everything you need to know about DOLE's TUPAD #BKBK

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) also put together Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers Program (Tupad) #Barangay Ko, Bahay Ko Disinfection/Sanitation Project (#BKBK) for the informal sector workers affected by the Enhanced Community Quarantine. Get to know the important details below.

1. What is TUPAD #BKBK and who are qualified for this?
   It is a community-based safety net program that will provide temporary employment to workers from the informal sectors who are either underemployed, self-employed or displaced marginalized workers whose earnings are affected due to ECQ.
   
   This may include but are not limited to Kasambahays, Angkas Drivers, Grab Drivers, Jeepney and other PUV drivers, Carinderia owners, Vendors, Dishwashers, Senior Citizens fit to work, and independent contractors. However, individuals aged from 17 below are not allowed to apply in accordance to the Anti-Child Labor Law. Workers outside of the ECQ Regions who also lost their livelihood due to COVID-19 are also covered. Beneficiaries given financial assistance by their LGUs can still avail TUPAD #BKBK as long as the benefit will not exceed Php8,000 in total. You don't have to be a registered voter of your barangay to avail this assistance.
   
   The nature of work is disinfection/sanitation of their home and their immediate surroundings.
   
   
2. What are the benefits?
   Beneficiaries will be given employment for 4 hrs/day for 10 days. They will get paid the minimum wage in the region for a day's work. This is also a one-time grant and for further assistance, DOLE can refer them to DSWD.
   
   Benefits will also include personal accident insurance, brochure on health and safety, and cleaning/disinfecting materials for barangay work.
   
   
3. Who will submit the application?
   Barangay captains, mayors, or other local government officials should facilitate the applications to the nearest DOLE Regional Office/ Provincial / Field Office.
   
   If the Barangay or local government unit (LGU) is not familiar with the process, you can reach out to DOLE-1349 hotline.
   
   
4. What are the requirements for LGUs?
   1. Letter of Intent
   2. TUPAD Work Program
   3. List of beneficiaries
   4. Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOLE and the Barangay/LGU. Contract of service is also accepted.
      
      
5. How to apply?
   1. Workers will need to go to your barangay office or municipality's Public Employment Office to have their name listed in the beneficiaries. For groups, DOLE recommends the listing to be done by a group representative.
   2. For individual application, send an email to your regional DOLE office.
   3. DOLE will conduct a quick validation with your LGU.
      
      
6. How will the workers receive their pay?
   It will be sent via money remittance (Palawan Express) which will be organized by your LGU/ barangay. 50% of the payment will be given at 5th day of work and the remaining payment at the end of the 10-day working period. For areas with no money remittance available, your local government can coordinate with DOLE for cash pay out.
   
   

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. If an employee has used up all leave credits because of COVID-19 symptoms, is it legal for the employer to fire said employee?
   The company has no right to fire a PUI or PUM. In times like this, DOLE appeals to employers to exercise compassion towards their workers. There are existing benefits for COVID-19 patients under the Bayanihan Act.
   
   
2. Is it legal for employers to let go of workers during COVID-19?
   The law is not suspended during the ECQ period. Private companies cannot dismissed employees unless it's due to authorized reasons and if employee is guilty of misconduct, due process must still be followed. For any cases of unreasonable dismissal, employee can call DOLE hotline 1349 and they will coordinate with the employer.
   
   However for the informal sectors workers dismissed during this period, TUPAD can cover financial assistance.
   
   
3. Are retired workers included in the DOLE financial assistance program? How about Senior Citizens?
   Retired workers who have no employers and Senior Citizens are not covered by CAMP. They can be covered by TUPAD if they are fit to work. If they are not qualified for CAMP and TUPAD but in need of help, they can ask financial assistance from DSWD's AICS program (Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation) ranging from Php3,000 to Php5,000.
   
   
4. What financial assistance can OFWs get from the Government during this pandemic?
   The Government will facilitate the repatriation process for OFWs coming back in the Philippines. If they are from countries with high COVID-19 cases (China, Japan, South Korea etc.), Government will also arrange their quarantine facilities. The Government is also working on the guidelines for OFW's financial assistance program worth PHP10,000.
   
   For OFWs still onsite/deployed abroad, the Labor Attaché (Philippine Overseas Labor Office representative) will guide them on the support needed. DOLE is also working on a financial assistance worth USD200 for deployed OFWs. For more information, OFWs can connect with OWWA.
   
   
5. Do we have a monitoring system to ensure all applications are processed by DOLE and all funds distributed?
   DOLE has a database system that holds all application information including company name, address, date of filing, beneficiaries and status of approval. According to policy, Regional and Field offices should acknowledge receipt of the documents. DOLE is asking for everyone's patience due to the large number of applications received by their offices. To know the status of your company/individual application, visit your regional DOLE office website.

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