The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that will provide emergency employment to 10,000 beneficiaries under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) program.

DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino and MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes led the signing of the joint initiative, backed by a PHP220-million budget.

The beneficiaries will be tapped to clear Metro Manila’s drainage systems under the Bayanihan sa Estero program to mitigate urban flooding.

“It’s really timely that we’re signing a memorandum of agreement today between our Department and the MMDA because the rainy season is approaching,” Tolentino said during the signing ceremonies at the MMDA Children Road Safety Park along Adriatico Street in Malate, Manila.

“Coming together for an initiative to clean waterways like esteros, canals, and drainage systems isn’t just about keeping our citizens safe from possible flood damage, but also about preventing any diseases that can come from it, like dengue, leptospirosis, and others,” the DOLE chief added.

The DOLE will deploy an initial 500 beneficiaries on Wednesday to declog drainage systems, clean local waterways, and implement waste segregation.

The MMDA will support the team by conducting orientation sessions on efficient waste segregation and material recovery practices.

The DOLE, through its National Capital Region office, along with MMDA and concerned local government units, are also in the process of profiling 3,600 beneficiaries for deployment.

“I am sure that the massive clean-up drive and Bayanihan sa Estero program under the TUPAD will really help our community a lot,” Tolentino said. (PNA)