National Irrigation Administration Administrator Benny D. Antiporda graced the NIA Region VI Irrigators’ Association (IA) Congress in Sugarland Hotel, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental on November 7, 2022.
The IA Congress, which was led by NIA Region VI Regional Manager Engr. Rory F. Avance and the Division Manager of Negros Occidental IMO Engr. Isaias C. Melendez, was held to provide a venue to present NIA’s thrust, programs, and direction for the succeeding year to the IA Members of Negros Occidental as well as IA Federation representatives from the provinces in the Island of Panay. It was also held to solicit issues and concerns from the farmers regarding irrigation development for management intervention, to seek farmers’ support on irrigation development, and gather support from the local government and partner agencies regarding their plans and programs for farmers.
129 IA Presidents representing 16,154 farmers province-wide were present in the congress, where their issues and concerns were heard and addressed by the Administrator.
Also present at the event is Negros Occidental Vice Governor Hon. Jeffrey P. Ferrer, representative of the Office of the Mayor of Bacolod City Mr. Rodel Parcon, and representatives from partner National Government Agencies.
In his speech, Administrator encouraged the NIA employees t go out into the field and personally check the status of irrigation systems and the welfare of the farmers to ensure food security.
“This is the first call of President Bong Bong Marcos: to give food security to the people. We do our thing, we do our job not because of compliance. But we will do everything to assure the people of food security. Now, we will be more innovative, we will move to the next level to make it sure that maideliver sa ating magsasaka ang kanilang pangangailangan at yun ay ang patubig.”, said the Administrator.
Administrator Antiporda also directed the NOIMO Division Manager Melendez and Regional Manager Avance to identify farmlands that are feasible for 2 croppings and coordinate with partner agencies to help the farmers with farm inputs such as fertilizers and seeds to ensure that the farmlands will have better production.
In a message delivered by Mr. Rodel Parcon, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez is planning to organize the wholesaling and retailing of agricultural products and trying to do his best to convert biodegradable solid waste into fertilizer.
“That will be his (Mayor Benitez) contribution to agriculture and he is hoping that NIA’s initiatives will stabilize supply and prices, meet the demand for agricultural products, stimulate production, and enhance the contribution to the economy of agriculture and food service”, said Mr. Parcon on behalf of Mayor Benitez.
Vice Governor Jeffrey P. Ferrer also promised to provide agricultural support.
“Under our leadership, under the leadership of Governor Bong Lacson, we will be providing seeds, protection, and farm implements (for the farmers).”, said Vice Governor Ferrer.
On the other hand, Administrator Antiporda asked the farmers to help NIA in ensuring an efficient flow of water in the irrigation systems and farmlands.
“Magiging matagumpay lang kami sa tulong ng mga IA na nagbabantay ng aming mga daluyan. It’s about time for NIA to seek the help of our IA brothers and sisters. Panahon na para humingi tayo ng tulong sa ating mga IA. Bantayan niyo po ang ating mga irigasyon. Kapag may sira, ireport niyo po kaagad para hindi lumaki. Magtulong-tulong tayo. Huwag tayong maging pabaya para mapasiguro natin na ang mga anak natin at mga kaapo-apohan natin ay mapakinabangan pa ‘yan.”, Administrator said.
Dubbed as the Action Man of NIA, Administrator Antiporda also vowed to take action on all issues and concerns of the farmers and those with Right of Way issues. He will set up a Right of Way and Site Inspection Committee to oversee and ensure the immediate resolution of land acquisition and right of way settlements of all NIA projects nationwide.
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