Manila, Aug. 22 -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided temporary employment to more than 33,000 workers in the Soccsksargen region, under its Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.

In a statement on Saturday, the DOLE reported that 33,743 workers were given temporary jobs and paid PHP304.37 million in wages from January to date.

DOLE-Soccsksargen Director Imelda Gatinao said the value of TUPAD goes beyond short-term wage assistance by ensuring that beneficiaries gain practical skills and work experience they can carry into future employment, livelihood, or entrepreneurship.

"TUPAD provides immediate assistance, but we want its impact to go beyond the wages received by our beneficia...