HOUSE appropriations committee chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co today expressed full support for the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) latest initiative to revolutionize irrigation in rain-fed areas, transforming them into productive lands year-round.
The NIA Solar Irrigation project, covering 71 sites across Bicol Region, targets an area of 1,810 hectares and is set to benefit 4,560 farmers across the region.
Rep. Co said with a total project cost of P1.5 billion, the initiative promises significant advancements in agricultural productivity and income for the farmer-beneficiaries.
“This initiative by the National Irrigation Administration is a game-changer for our farmers,” said Co. “Tutugunan nito ang napakahalagang pangangailangan ng mga magsasaka sa patubig. Palalakasin nito ang ani at ang kakayahan ng mga magsasaka na pakinabangan ang kanilang mga lupain at mapataas ang kanilang kita. With the availability of water during the dry season, we can expect an estimated additional income of P140 million every year for our farmers,” he said.
The priority areas for this project are currently rain-fed zones that rely solely on rainfall for irrigation, limiting their planting seasons to only once a year. With the project’s completion, these areas will have access to steady water supply even during the dry months. This development will enable farmers to plant rice during the rainy season and cultivate corn or other crops during the dry months, thus ensuring continuous agricultural activity throughout the year.
Co stressed the transformative impact of this project on the local farming community. “Our farmers are the backbone of our economy. Mahalagang bigyan natin sila ng kagamitan at resources na kailangan upang umunlad at mapalakas ang kanilang produksyon ng pagkain. This project not only boosts agricultural productivity but also uplifts the socio-economic status of our farmers,” he said.
The Bicolano solon believes that by providing sustainable and efficient irrigation solutions, the project will significantly contribute to the region’s overall development and food security.
“As a representative of the Bicolanos, I am committed to ensuring that we continuously support and invest in our agricultural sector,” Co said. “Patuloy tayong makikipagtulungan sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno tulad ng NIA to ensure that projects such as these are successfully implemented and yield long-term benefits for our community.”
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