BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya—Rice and corn production in this province are expected to increase with the release of P12 million from the provincial government for the repair, improvement and construction of new Communal Irrigation Systems here.
Governor Carlos Padilla said the fund is part of their yearly support to farmers and to provide more irrigation to their fields in Nueva Vizcaya’s 15 towns.
“This is our assistance to our farmers who are contributing much to the food security efforts in our country,” he said. It will ensure not only the quantity but also the quality of rice and corn products in the province, the governor added.
The amount is a counterpart for the National Irrigation Administration’s Balikatan Sagip Patubig Program, which covers both the construction and rehabilitation of CIS.
Through the BSPP, local government units will have the technical and management resources to undertake pre-engineering capabilities and construction activities, while NIA provides similar technical assistance and support.
Bruno Gamponia, president of the Provincial Federation of Farmers Irrigators Association, said the funds will help more than 40,000 farmers in the province.
“This will be a big help for us considering that every year, typhoons tend to damage our irrigation system and crops, bringing huge agricultural loses to our farmers,” he said.
Gamponia also added the assistance will help Nueva Vizcaya sustain its Quality Corn Achiever and Agri-Pinoy Awards given recently by the Department of Agriculture.