DOLE, NIA offer farmers emergency jobs

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 6 and the National Irrigation Administration Region 6 have strengthened their partnership through a memorandum of agreement for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers program for farmers belonging to irrigators associations in Western Visayas.

The agreement was signed May 25, 2026, at the DOLE Regional Office 6 Conference Room in line with the Marcos administration’s Bagong Pilipinas agenda, which promotes inclusive growth, rural development, sustainable agriculture, and food security for vulnerable sectors.

TUPAD, a community-based emergency employment program of DOLE, provides temporary wage employment to disadvantaged, displaced, underemployed, and seasonal workers.

Under the partnership, a 10-day emergency employment program will be implemented from June 1 to 30, 2026, in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo.

The project is expected to benefit 1,500 farmer-beneficiaries from 49 irrigators associations across the region.

Beneficiaries will undertake canal clearing and desilting activities, including the removal of vegetation, silt, and debris along irrigation canals and waterways.

The activities are expected to help improve irrigation efficiency, agricultural productivity, environmental protection, and disaster mitigation efforts in farming communities.

A total budget allocation of PHP 8,895,000 will cover the beneficiaries’ wages for 10 days, one-year Government Service Insurance System Group Personal Accident Insurance coverage, work apparel, and personal protective equipment.

Under the agreement, DOLE-6 will facilitate the implementation of the TUPAD program, including the release of wages, provision of work apparel, and monitoring assistance.

NIA-6 will assist in identifying qualified beneficiaries, coordinating project areas, and supervising canal clearing and desilting operations.

During the signing ceremony, DOLE-6 Regional Director Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in delivering immediate assistance to vulnerable sectors while strengthening irrigation systems that support farming communities.

NIA-6 Regional Manager Jonel B. Borres expressed gratitude for the continued partnership and underscored the significance of the initiative in helping farmers amid current agricultural challenges.

The signing was witnessed by DOLE-6 Assistant Regional Director Melissa S. Navarra, NIA Acting Engineering and Operations Division Manager Rebecca F. Graña, DOLE-6 field office heads, and officials and personnel from both agencies.

DOLE and NIA said they will continue strengthening convergence efforts aimed at providing temporary livelihood opportunities while safeguarding irrigation systems essential to food security and agricultural sustainability in Western Visayas.