DOLE-13 assists NIA to rehabilitate through TUPAD in Agusan Sur
AGUSAN DEL SUR -- In a significant step towards community rebuilding, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Caraga and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Caraga partnered to assist NIA-supported associations in restoring critical infrastructure in the irrigation areas of Barangay 3 and Barangay Lapinigan, Agusan del Sur.
Through employment under the DOLE’s program on Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD), this initiative focused on repairing irrigation canals and water dams, which are essential to the community's agricultural livelihood.
The beneficiaries not only received support in boosting the agricultural productivity of the area but also helped strengthen the local economy by providing sustainable solutions to water management challenges.
The NIA-assisted associations and TUPAD beneficiaries planted community gardens along the canals that are designed to provide residents with fresh produce, especially during their monthly “pahina” or community workdays.
“With the convergence that we have right now, we saw how impactful it is to the beneficiaries, especially to these irrigators. Our department is always ready to assist and help you. Rest assured, it will not be the last time that our program will work with NIA,” DOLE Caraga’s Assistant Regional Dir. Raymond Fel F. Sajor emphasized.
Rudel R. Labe, NIA coordinator for TUPAD program, presented how the program was able to help irrigators associations.
"Due to the work done through the TUPAD program of DOLE, the water that previously failed to reach the end of the irrigation system now flows properly. The damaged sections have been repaired, and the entire system has been rehabilitated," said Labe.
He also expressed hope that this will not be the last but the first step toward better collaboration and convergence of both agencies.
The payout, which took place at the NIA Agricultural Farmer’s Center, Rosario, benefited 67 members of irrigators’ associations, each receiving a salary of P3,850 for ten working days.
The activity was witnessed by Dir. Sajor, together with DOLE-ADS Provincial Head Buhawe B. Corvera - Correa, and NIA – ADS Division Manager Peter E. Pablo.
This dual-purpose project showcased how government partnerships could address both infrastructure needs and food security concerns, improving the quality of life for residents.
Through this convergence, the community is empowered to work together not only to rebuild but also to create lasting solutions for their agricultural and nutritional needs for Agsurnon. (DOLE-Agusan del Sur Field Office/PIA-Agusan del Sur)
