TACLOBAN CITY — Long criticized for temporary jobs with little lasting impact, the government's TUPAD program is taking a different approach in Northern Samar by helping revive the province's abaca industry.

The Department of Labor and Employment's Northern Samar Field Office approved a proposal from the Silvino Lubos municipal government to use the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers program to rehabilitate abaca plantations.

Instead of the usual 10- or 20-day employment period, 200 beneficiaries worked for 31 days from 23 June to 23 July, planting young abaca and carrying out initial rehabilitation work.

Silvino Lubos Mayor Leo Jarito said the project provided families with immediate income while allowing them to help restore an industry that has sustained generations in the municipality.

Silvino Lubos is a major abaca-producing town, accounting for roughly 25 percent of Northern Samar's total area planted with the crop.

Beneficiary Allan Peter Cahosay said the program provided employment while helping sustain the livelihood of his family and community.

DOLE Northern Samar Field Office head Engr. Primo Guarin said the newly planted abaca will take time to mature, but TUPAD wages provided immediate relief to participating families.

DOLE paid a total of P2.914 million for the 31-day rehabilitation project.