DOLE, NIA Implement TUPAD for Farmers Belonging to Irrigators Association

Iloilo City- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 6 and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) 6 formally strengthened their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) Program for farmers belonging to irrigators’ association in Western Visayas.

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

Under the partnership, a ten-day emergency employment program will be implemented from June 1 to June 30, 2026 in the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo. The project is expected to benefit 1,500 farmer-beneficiaries from 49 Irrigators’ Associations (IAs) across the region.

Beneficiaries will undertake canal clearing and desilting activities, including the removal of vegetation, silt, and debris along irrigation canals and waterways 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 ten days, one-year GSIS Group Personal Accident Insurance (GPAI) coverage, and the provision of work apparel and personal protective equipment (PPEs).

Under the agreement, DOLE VI will facilitate the implementation of the TUPAD program, including the provision of wages, work apparel, and monitoring assistance, while NIA VI will assist in identifying qualified beneficiaries, coordinating project areas, and supervising canal clearing and desilting operations.

During the signing ceremony, DOLE VI Regional Director Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez Jr. emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration in delivering immediate assistance to vulnerable sectors while strengthening irrigation systems that support farming communities. Meanwhile, NIA 6 Regional Manager Engr. Jonel B. Borres expressed gratitude for the continued partnership and underscored the significance of the initiative in helping farmers amid current agricultural challenges.

The MOA signing was witnessed by DOLE 6 Assistant Regional Director Melissa S. Navarra, NIA Acting Engineering and Operations Division Manager Engr. Rebecca F. Graña, Heads of DOLE VI Field Offices, and officials and personnel from both agencies.

DOLE and NIA continue to strengthen convergence efforts aimed at providing temporary livelihood opportunities while safeguarding irrigation systems essential to food security and agricultural sustainability in Western Visayas.jpm/jjcc