Series of Irrigators Association Cluster Consultative Workshop is being conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) in close coordination with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). Now on its 4th batch, the cluster consultative workshop aims to disseminate the Rice Self-Sufficiency Program of the government spearheaded by the DA in partnership with its various attached bureaus and agencies. NIA is one those agencies involved.
Admittedly, irrigation is one vital component of rice production. Within the NIA, beneficiaries of irrigation are organized into irrigators association and have been proven strong partners in rice production, hence, during the cluster consultative workshop these irrigators associations are represented by the President of the Provincial Federation of Irrigators Association. Their problems affecting increased rice production were brought out during the consultation and presented to DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel. Both officials reacted positively to these issues and assured the farmers that appropriate action will be considered. They expressed their appreciation for their participation and commitment to the rice self-sufficiency program.
One of the objectives of the cluster consultative workshop is to inform the irrigators association of the award system to be given by the DA. The program will involve selection of 10 outstanding IA at the provincial level with an award of P5 M worth of projects; 50 outstanding IA at the municipal level with an award of P1 M worth of projects and 500 extension workers for contributing an outstanding IA with P20,000.00 cash award.
DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel during the IA Cluster Consultative Conference for Regions 6, 7, and 8 held in Cebu City.
