In April 2015 the International Labour Organisation (ILO) through the support of the Government of Norway, partnered with the Sta. Elena Irrigators Services Association (SEISA) in the municipality of Tanauan, Leyte to repair 250 meters of damaged irrigation canals, rehabilitate plume posts, and de-silt five kilometers of irrigation canals. This work directly benefited 134 workers (55 men, 79 women) through wages for short term employment. An additional 500 farmers and their families benefitted through livelihood recovery since the rehabilitated canals covered a service area of 300 hectares of rice fields in Barangay Sta. Elena.

Typhoon Haiyan had disrupted crop production in the area by reducing the supply of water in surrounding rice fields, affecting the main source of income of the majority of residents. The ILO assistance package consisted of workers’ wages, construction materials, social protection coverage, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hand tools. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), a government agency, provided technical support, while a non-government organisation, Uswag Kita, provided support to manage, implement, and monitor the activities

Workers clear the irrigation canal of debris, in Barangay Sta Elena. The rehabilitated canals covered a service area of 300 hectares of rice fields benefitting 500 farmers and their families.

Workers clear the irrigation canal of debris, in Barangay Sta Elena. The rehabilitated canals covered a service area of 300 hectares of rice fields benefitting 500 farmers and their families.