The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region I and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Region I have partnered to provide temporary jobs to disadvantaged farmers while helping improve irrigation facilities across the Ilocos Region.

The agencies formalized the partnership through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on 12 August 2026, covering the implementation of a 10-day Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) project in Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Nort

The agreement was signed by DOLE Regional Director Honorina Dian-Baga and NIA Region I Regional Manager Engr. Geffrey B. Catulin.

Under the agreement, qualified farmers will be hired to clear and desilt The activities will provide temporary income to participating farmers while helping improve the condition and operation of irrigation systems supporting agricultural production in the region.

Dian-Baga said the partnership aims to make TUPAD projects more meaningful by linking temporary employment with community-based activities that directly benefit farmers.

“Nais nating gawing mas makabuluhan at impactful ang implementation ng ating mga TUPAD projects, gaya nitong paglilinis at pagpapanatili ng mga water system na mahalaga sa ating mga magsasaka,” Dian-Baga said.

Catulin said the partnership would allow the agencies to address both the immediate livelihood needs of farmers and the maintenance of irrigation facilities on which their communities depend.

“This partnership allows us to address two important needs at the same time: providing temporary employment opportunities to our farmers and ensuring that the irrigation facilities they depend on are properly maintained,” Catulin said.

Also present at the signing were NIA Region I officials, including Engineering and Operations Department Manager Engr. Emilio M. Domagas Jr., and DOLE TSSD-LE Unit Head and Regional DILEEP Focal Jeridee Orate and Eastern Pangasinan Field Office OIC Mary Jane Hufano.

Local beneficiaries also attended the activity, which formally launched the partnership.

The NIA-DOLE initiative combines the irrigation agency’s mandate to develop and maintain irrigation systems with DOLE’s employment and social protection programs.

The agencies said clearing and desilting canals can help improve the flow and distribution of irrigation water, particularly in farming areas where efficient water delivery is essential to crop production.

The partnership is expected to provide short-term employment to disadvantaged farmers while supporting the continued maintenance of irrigation systems across Region I.

The agencies said the initiative also demonstrates how inter-agency cooperation can link employment assistance with projects that directly benefit farming communities and support agricultural productivity.