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Narra, Palawan - Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., along with National Food Authority (NFA) Administrator Roderico R. Bioco, and Palawan 2nd District Congressman Jose Chaves Alvarez, convened in Narra Palawan to relay and discuss the program of the government to the farmers and cooperatives of Narra in the 2nd district of the province as well as consult and understand their needs to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation within the agricultural sector and enhance the quality of agricultural services provided to them.
DA Secretary Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed his commitment to implement President Bongbong Marcos' agenda of boosting rice production and other agricultural crops through substantial investment in farm equipment, post-harvest facilities, rice mills, soil testing laboratories, heavy equipment, and solar pumps for irrigation systems.
NIA MIMAROPA Regional Manager Ronilio M. Cervantes also shared an update on the construction of the Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP), scheduled to be completed by September 2024. He also relayed that the Agency will implement more solar pump irrigation projects this year and propose more impounding dams in the province for sustainability and resilience against drought and other weather-related challenges, improve irrigation services, increase rice production, and boost farmers' income.
These projects could also serve other purposes such as flood control, hydropower generation, and potential tourism opportunities that align with broader goals of promoting economic growth, enhancing food security, and ensuring long-term prosperity for local farming communities in the province.
Narra Mayor Gerandy B. Danao, DA Office of Undersecretary for Operations Roger V. Navarro, and other officials and representatives from DA, NIA, and NFA joined this gathering.