Iloilo backs small irrigation projects

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – The Iloilo provincial government has allotted substantial budget for irrigation projects all over the province, according to Provincial Administrator Raul Banias during the start of the 3-day regional congress for Small Water Impounding System Association held in this city since Thursday.

Banias said Governor Arthur Defensor Sr. has given priority to agriculture programs and projects, resulting in the province to become the third top rice producing provinces in the country.

In 2011 the province harvested 959,239 metric tons of rice, an increase of almost 300,000 metric tons over previous year’s harvest of 659,970 metric tons, he said.

Banias, who represented the governor in the event, also lauded the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) for initiating the regional congress, which was intended to tackle issues and concerns on irrigation and agricultural production.

BSWM executive director Dr. Silvino Tejada, who officially opened the congress, said the gathering was very important since it focuses mainly on ensuring food security in this part of the country.

Tejada said the farmers have a crucial role in increasing food production and expanding production areas, and that there is now a need to transform rain-fed farms into irrigated lands to ensure bountiful rice production. - THE FREEMAN