By TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – The Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office No. 02 (DA RFO 02) had turned over on Sunday the six Small Water Impounding Projects (SWIP) worth P72.6 million to Local Government Unit of Mallig, Isabela.
“These projects will irrigate 256 hectares of palay and other crops benefitting 177 farmer beneficiaries,” said Mallig town Mayor Jose Calderon.
“From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of all Malliguenos, I would like to thank the DA for supporting us by allocating these projects for the development of the agriculture sector in our place,” he said.
The mayor cited that the various projects given to them by the national government such as SWIP, farm to market roads, dryers and other livelihood projects will help leveling up the life of the local farmers.
DA RFO2 Executive Director Narciso A. Edillo challenged the municipal and barangay officials and residents to unite and take care of the projects given to them by the government.
Edillo thanked the officials and residents for helping the department achieve sufficiency in rice through the opening of new areas.
He said the 250 hectares that will irrigate by SWIP and will plant with palay will help the target of the national government increasing rice production, and will reduce the 48,000 hectares rainfed areas in the Region 2.
“The national government ensures the continuing support to our farmers in this town especially if we seen that you are cooperating with each other to sustain the projects given to you,” said Edillo.
Edillo also encouraged the farmer beneficiaries to federate themselves so that they can avail more DA projects in the future.
“We can assist you in the formation of your association especially now that giving agricultural assistance is through associations and cooperatives,” said Edillo.
Francisco Ventura Jr., the president of the Trinidad II Small Water Irrigation System Association (SWISA) expressed his gratitude to the DA for the construction of the irrigation system in their barangay.
For more information, visit DA-RFO2.
