FLORA, Apayao – A total of 124 irrigators from Luna, Pudtol, and Flora, Apayao, received a combined payout of PhP1,935,000 as part of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa mga Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program.
This initiative is a collaboration between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
The payout ceremonies took place at two separate venues: the Apayao Irrigation Management Office (IMO) main office in Poblacion East, Flora, Apayao, and the sub-office in Abulug, Cagayan on March 14, 2024.
Leading the distribution were NIA Apayao Irrigation Management Office Head, Samuel C. Bahiwag, and DOLE Apayao representatives Lerma A. Esteban and Loodie Agbayani. Also present were NIA Apayao IMO TUPAD focal person, Winette Baloran, and NIA-CAR Regional Office Cashier, Cresilda Budikey.
The beneficiaries belong to seven farmer-irrigators associations, namely, Sunrise ti Balluyan Irrigators’ Association (IA), Brgy. Allig Farmers IA, Marimay Lateral A of Marians IA, Obbog ti Rang-Ay IA, Upper Maton River IA, and Dona Loreta IA. These associations conducted canal clearing and maintenance activities along the Marimay SRIP irrigation facilities and three communal irrigation systems over a span of 30 days.
NIA Apayao Irrigation Management Office Head Samuel C. Bahiwag highlighted that this collaboration with DOLE marked the first implementation of TUPAD workers in the NIA’s history. The TUPAD program aims to enhance irrigation services and is a joint effort between DOLE, NIA, and the Irrigators’ Associations. By M. Acantilado
