ILOILO City — Around 7,000 beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program joined forces in Iloilo City for a massive citywide clean-up drive, which included tree planting, coastal clean-ups, and communal gardening activities.
The initiative was spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the office of Iloilo City Lone District Representative Julienne Baronda. A total of over P40.3 million was allocated for the program, providing each worker a daily wage of P550 for 10 days of community service.
Participants helped clear roads, de-clog canals, and conduct extensive coastal clean-ups, aiming to improve the local environment while fostering a sense of responsibility among residents. The communal gardening component, supported by the DA with vegetable seeds, seedlings, and fertilizers, allows beneficiaries to cultivate homegrown produce that can help reduce household food costs.
The timing of the clean-up drive coincides with the Christmas and New Year holidays, reinforcing the city’s commitment to a clean and festive environment for all residents.
Atty. Sixto T. Rodriguez, Jr., DOLE Regional Director, praised the initiative, noting that community-based projects like this empower individuals while promoting environmental sustainability.
The launch of the clean-up drive was attended by key officials, including Iloilo City Vice Mayor Julie Grace Baronda, Councilor Sheen Marie Mabilog, DA Western Visayas OIC–Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Maria Teresa Solis, and Dr. Arlyn E. Siaotong, Head of DOLE RO 6-Iloilo Field Office.
As Iloilo City undertakes this extensive clean-up drive, the collaboration between government agencies and community members highlights the impact of collective effort in building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future./PN
