Albay: More than 4,300 farmers from 31 irrigators' associations in Albay have benefited from the Department of Labor and Employment's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (DOLE-TUPAD) program through a convergence initiative with the National Irrigation Administration-Albay-Catanduanes Irrigation Management Office (NIA-ACIMO).

According to Philippines News Agency, NIA-5 (Bicol) spokesperson Maria Cleofe Baraero stated that the beneficiaries earned PHP4,550 for 10 days or PHP6,825 for 15 days, based on the prevailing daily minimum wage of PHP455. The initiative involved the beneficiaries in clearing waterways and planting crops along canal easements to improve water flow and maximize the use of idle spaces.

Baraero emphasized the significance of these activities in maintaining the efficiency of irrigation canals. By removing silt, weeds, and other obstructions, the initiative ensured the continuous delivery of irrigation water to farmlands. Planting crops along canal easements also served the dual purpose of promoting the productive use of idle spaces and preventing illegal encroachments, while supporting environmental conservation and providing additional livelihood opportunities for local communities.

The farmers benefiting from this program hailed from the municipalities of Manito, Bacacay, Daraga, Jovellar, Camalig, Guinobatan, Pioduran, Oas, Libon, and Polangui, as well as from the cities of Tabaco, Legazpi, and Ligao. Baraero also mentioned plans for another batch of beneficiaries next year, contingent upon budget allocation under the Enhanced Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty Convergence Program of NIA, DOLE, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).