Worker-beneficiaries of the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program are clearing waterways of waste, water hyacinths, and debris to ease flooding and protect communities.
The cleanup drive is part of the “Bayanihan sa Estero: Malinis na Estero Pamayanan Protektado” program launched by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in Pasig recently to support flood mitigation and control measures in Metro Manila and neighboring areas.
Data from the DOLE-National Capital Region show that a total of 135 TUPAD beneficiaries were deployed in Buli Creek/Ilugin Creek in Pasig, Hagonoy in Taguig, Catmon Creek in Malabon, and Pinagsama Creek in Taguig during the cleanup drive.
Prior to this, a total of 236 TUPAD workers have also been deployed in various barangays of Taguig City Proper, District 1, where they assisted in clearing waterlilies, grass, and waste along the waterways leading to Laguna Lake. The cleanup was extended in response to flooding and debris accumulation brought about by recent typhoons.
The beneficiaries are among those covered by the ongoing partnership between the DOLE and the Metro Manila Development Authority, which provides temporary employment and support to displaced workers in Metro Manila.
The “Bayanihan sa Estero: Malinis na Estero Pamayanan Protektado” is a multi-sectoral government program led by the MMDA, in cooperation with various national government agencies, local government units, civil society organizations, private companies, and non-government organizations.
The MMDA said the program aims to complete cleanup activities in 23 priority esteros identified for immediate intervention due to heavy siltation, solid waste buildup, poor water flow, and high risk of recurrent flooding.
Also present during the launch were DOLE Secretary Bienvenido E. Laguesma, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, MMDA Chair Romando Artes, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, and other national and local government representatives.
