The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 11 (Davao) launched the 13th NIA-Irrigators Association (IA) Congress on Monday, focusing on addressing sustainability issues and fostering partnerships with stakeholders to strengthen irrigation development in the region.
NIA-11 manager Jimmy Apostol said the two-day forum provides a platform for irrigators to raise critical concerns, including calamity response funds, dam rehabilitation, irrigation system upgrades, and mechanization.
“Through this forum, we will be able to hear their voices. This is the basis for their request on how to develop their area and increase their production,” Apostol said.
The congress, which concludes Tuesday, also serves as a venue for discussing NIA’s programs, projects, and activities aimed at sustaining irrigation systems and increasing farmers’ productivity.
“We will also seize opportunities for convergence with our partner agencies, ensuring that we work hand in hand to create solutions that benefit all of us,” Apostol added.
Engr. C’zar Sulaik, NIA deputy administrator for the engineering and operations sector and the event’s guest of honor, emphasized the importance of addressing climate change challenges during the forum.
“The event is crucial for developing plans, particularly in adjusting cropping calendars to climate conditions,” Sulaik said, adding that NIA remains committed to building more irrigation facilities to help farmers combat climate challenges and improve productivity.
Jerry Barayuga, president of the Lower Saosao IA and the provincial federation of IAs in Davao de Oro, lauded the congress as an opportunity for irrigators to voice their concerns and connect with government agencies at the national level.
“Their convergence efforts play a big impact on IAs. This is also a big factor to achieve food security in the region,” Barayuga said.
More than 300 IA members from regional and central NIA offices and other government agencies attended the congress.
The event aims to strengthen cross-agency collaboration to create sustainable and viable irrigation systems that will benefit farming communities in the Davao Region. (PNA)
