DAR, NIA turn over PHP22M irrigation systems to Bicol farmers

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) turned over PHP22 million worth of communal irrigation systems to farmers in Bicol this week.

Ma. Cleofe Baraero, NIA-5 spokesperson, stated that the projects align with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s vision to enhance farmer livelihood and bolster agriculture.

The initiatives include a PHP13 million solar-powered irrigation system in Sorsogon's Juban town and a PHP9 million irrigation system in Albay’s Malinao and Camalig towns, funded under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program-Irrigation Component (CARP-IC).

In Sorsogon, the new systems will provide water to 89 hectares of rice fields, benefiting 139 farmers.

Similarly, in Albay, the irrigation projects aim to increase agricultural productivity for more than 130 farmers and stabilize water supply across 61.7693 hectares in Malinao and 29.6758 hectares in Camalig.

These initiatives underscore the government's commitment to advancing agricultural sustainability and food security in the region.