Kalinga irrigators receive over P1.8M in wages after 19-day irrigation maintenance work

Tabuk City, Kalinga – In exchange for their services in canal clearing and maintenance work along the irrigation systems in Kalinga, a total of 226 irrigators received on Wednesday, March 13, their wages from the Department of Labor and Employment.

This aid to farmers is a way to help them get by with their basic needs and daily subsistence thru TUPAD (Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers) program of the DOLE. TUPAD, to recall, is a community-based package of assistance from the DOLE that provides emergency employment for underemployed and seasonal workers.

 The recipients are members of the Sosukaguma Farmers Irrigators Association (FIA), Apagsingising FIA, Catao Nambaran FIA, Obra Batinged FIA, Matagotago Tako Losan FIA, Maledda Tanubong FIA, and Bulo Burobor IFA.

They worked for 19 days with a daily wage of P430 based on the minimum wage set by DOLE for Tabuk City.

This is contained in the agreement signed by DOLE, the National Irrigation Administration-Cordillera, and the Federation of Irrigators Association-Cordillera, which targets improving the irrigation service in the region.

The TUPAD program, specifically aiding irrigators association members, was launched last year towards effective and efficient irrigation service.

This is part of the convergence program of various government agencies towards President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos’ agenda of more enhanced agricultural development.

Meanwhile, leading the payout were Ferdinand Indammog, NIA-Kalinga Irrigation Management Office head, Ma. Lourdes Canseco of DOLE-KKalinga, Cresilda Budikey of NIA-CAR, and Janice Taclawan, NIA-KKalinga TUPAD focal person.