17 M Irrigation Project To Boost Capiz Rice Production

NEW DA DIRECTOR - Department of Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap (left) swears in to office Larry P. Nacionales as Regional Executive Director of DA-RFU6 at the DA Central Office, Quezon City on August 10, 2009. Director Nacionales, an Ilonggo has been in public service for more than 30 years.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has turned-over a P17.3 million worth irrigation projects in Barangay Cogon, Panay , Capiz, recently. The amount was spent for its construction and rehabilitation.

Larry P. Nacionales, Regional Exec. Dir., DA-6 personally turned-over the irrigation project to farmer beneficiaries. He advised farmers to help maintain the project to boost rice production in Capiz.

The project includes rehabilitation and construction of pump houses and stilling pools, water pump engine, pipes, and existing canals, among others. It is expected to irrigate 560 hectares of ricelands with some 466 direct farmer beneficiaries.

Panay River is the main source of the irrigation system.

Nacionales also said, "DA will augment a P1.3 million budget " Bagsakan Center ." The Bagsakan ia a venue for direct selling of agricultural products.

He also assured that DA will give the farmers its full support through its Fertilizer, Irrigation, Extension, Loans, Dryers, Seeds Program.

The project is DA’s endeavor to ensure the livelihood development and food security throughout the region.

Present during the ceremony were Panay Municipal Mayor Dante Bermejo, Vice Mayor Gualberto Bernas III, Capiz City Mayor Vicente Bermejo, and Vice Governor Felipe Barredo.

This is the second irrigation system projects turned-over this year. The first one was in Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental. /MP