Irrigation projects, farm machinery and inputs, and fishery initiatives in Palawan
The Department of Agriculture (DA) allotted a total of P594-million worth irrigation projects, farm machinery and inputs, and fishery initiatives in Palawan, an island province 420 kilometres southwest of Metro Manila.
Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the projects are aimed at making the province sufficient in rice, major staples, and fishery and marine products.
Alcala said that these include the construction of the P498-M Ibato-Iraan small reservoir irrigation project that will irrigate 1,600 hectares benefiting 425 farmers in Aborlan town, covering four barangays (Sagpangan, Maligaya, Ibato and Iraan).
The DA chief earlier led the groundbreaking of the irrigation project as part of his two-day visit in Palawan. He was joined by Palawan Governor Abraham Kahlil Mitra, DA assistant secretary and national rice program coordinator Dante de Lima, National Irrigation Administrator (NIA) Antonio Nangel, DA region 4B director Cipriano Santiago, NIA 4B acting regional manager Conrado Cardenas, Jr., and Aborlan Mayor Jaime Ortega.