NIA, LGUs, AND OTHER GOV’T AGENCIES VOW TO PROMOTE AGRI. PRODUCTIVITY IN CALABARZON.

18 May 2023 – The National Irrigation Administration led by NIA Sr. Deputy Administrator Engr. Robert Suguitan convenes Irrigators’ Associations (IAs), Provincial and Local Government Units, and other National Government Agencies (NGAs) in Region IV-A to facilitate a holistic approach to improve the lives of Filipino farmers in the five (5) provinces in the region.
The conduct of the Regional Stakeholders’ Forum is one of the Agency’s mechanisms to present the Agency’s direction and policy agenda, as well as to gather feedback from the farmers on how the Agency can improve its irrigation service. Also, it aims to solicit support from farmers and national government agencies in irrigation project implementation.
In his message, Engr. Suguitan highlights the importance of coordination, collaboration, and complementation of programs and service of the government to address challenges on agriculture sector.
“Hindi kaya ng NIA lamang o ng iisa lamang na Agency, dapat sama-sama tayo para masuportahan natin ang adhikain ng pamahalaan para sa food security.”, he said.
Said activity also serves as a venue to address farmers' concerns regarding irrigation development for management intervention and to present existing plans and programs of other NGAs which can directly assist the farmers in their concerns on agriculture.
NIA IV-A Regional Manager Wilson Lopez presents the current status of irrigation development in the region. He calls on the stronger support of LGUs and other Government Agencies to facilitate improved service to our Filipino farmers.
“Panahon na para ipadama natin ang suporta sa magsasaka. Panahon na para sila naman ang maging bida”, he added.
According to the data released by the Agency, the CALABARZON region has an estimated total potential irrigable area of 85, 929 hectares of agricultural land. Out of this, the Agency managed to develop a total of 67,451 hectares which translates to 78.50% irrigation development in the region. In 2022, there were about 75 completed irrigation projects situated in various provinces in the region.
The highlight of the event is the signing of the pledge of commitment wherein officials, representatives of government agencies, farmers seal their cooperation thru a symbolic signature.
Also present during the activity were Governors, District Representatives, Municipal and City Mayors, officials & representatives of various NGAs, officials & employees from the NIA Central Office, Regional Office, and Irrigation Management offices, and members and officials of Irrigators Associations.