Iloilo City - Strengthening their commitment to the agricultural sector in Western Visayas, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)- Region VI headed by Acting Regional Manager, Engr. Jonel B. Borres completed another successful quarterly convergence program in Park Inn Hotel, Iloilo City on April 16, 2024. This initiative of the NIA under the leadership of Engr. Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen, brought together various government agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs) focused on agriculture, and Irrigators’ Associations in Western Visayas.
The recently concluded convergence, facilitated by NIA-Region VI Institutional Development Section headed by IDS Chief, Joy A. Babiera, served as a platform for a comprehensive discussion on farmer support. The agenda included:
- Presentations of Accomplishments for CY 2023: Agencies presented their achievements from the previous calendar year. This provided farmers with a clear picture of the impact past initiatives have had on the sector.
- Presentations of Programs and Projects from Other Agencies: Participating agencies show their existing and upcoming programs and projects.
- Presentations of Ways Forward: Collaborative discussions focused on identifying areas for improvement. This included feedback on existing programs and plans for future initiatives.
This program entrusted by the Administrator is very crucial in improving the quality of life of our farmers, according to Engr. Borres. By including farmers in discussions with partner agencies of NIA about plans and programs, this venture ensures that the support system remains effective and addresses the evolving needs of farmers here in Western Visayas, thus, he thanked the continued support and collaboration of the partner agencies. He also mentioned NIA’s project in support to farmers which are the implementation of solar pump irrigation projects, the implementation of reservoir dams, and other irrigation systems.
The convergence program is expected to continuously benefit thousands of farmers across the region by monitoring and evaluation of Plans and Programs (PAPs), and planning for the continuous implementation of this program in order to improve their access to resources, enhance their agricultural practices, and for them to have a direct participation in the activities of the government for their future.
Agencies in attendance are from the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VI, Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Cooperative Development Agency, Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Food Authority-Iloilo, Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Landbank of the Philippines, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Confederation of Irrigators’ Association Region VI, Lovefeeds, New Panay Agri-Ventures Development, Inc., East-West Seeds, Iloilo New Agri, and MASIPAG.
Through this active collaboration, this program will look after agricultural development by ensuring programs are efficient, effective, and directly responsive to the needs of farmers.
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