BACOLOD CITY, May 12 (PNA) — One hundred eight irrigators’ associations in Negros Occidental received PHP5 million worth of agricultural equipment from the provincial government Tuesday.
Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. led the turn-over rites held at National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 6 office in Bago City.
The rice farmers received motorized grass cutter, knapsack sprayer, and basic heavy duty farm tools, hand tractor and thresher, pump and engine, and a rice mill.
“Negros Occidental is blessed to have abundant sources of water. You will continue to receive more agricultural projects from the provincial government that will modernize and introduce mechanized farming that will eventually increase their production,” the governor told the beneficiaries.
Bago City Vice Mayor Nicholas Yulo said “agricultural productivity in Negros Occidental is in place because of the exceptional leadership of Marañon.
Mamerto Andalajao Jr. of the Magballo-Balicotoc-Canlamay Federation of Integrated Farmers Irrigators’ Association acknowledged the governor and the provincial government for the projects granted to them.
The rice mill project will make a big difference in their palay production, he said.
The rice farmers are led by Rosemary Caunca, president of the League of Government-Assisted Federation of Irrigators’ Associations.
Also present during the turn-over rites were Provincial Agriculturist Igmedio Tabianan, John Lastierre of NIA Region 6, and Engr. Lorena Sioco of NIA-Negros Occidental Irrigation Management Office 6.(PNA)