ENGR. ANTONIO S. NANGEL, Administrator of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) went on sorties in Mindanao during the period March 16-18, 2011, specifically in Misamis Oriental and Occidental to attend to various events related to irrigation development.
Administrator Nangel visited ALISA Irrigators Association in Alupijid, Misamis Oriental where the farmers demonstrated how they make organic fertilizer out of banana peels, rice stalks and other materials. They also produce Indigenous Micro Organism which they mix to hasten decay/decomposition of materials. The organic fertilizers are used by the farmers thus reducing use of chemical fertilizers: in turn, reducing their farming expenses, increasing their yield and eventually income. The farmers said that organic fertilizer enabled them to harvest 100-120 cavans per hectare. Incidentally, the ALISA Irrigators Association has been a consistent awardee as Most Outstanding IA not only in Region 10 but also a runner-up in the national category. Mayor Giovanni Labis expressed his gratitude for the support NIA is giving to his constituents. In turn, Mayor Labis committed to share in the cost for air drier, which the IA requested from NIA. Administrator Nangel said the ALISA IA can be a model to other IAs nationwide.
Next in his field visit is the Mini-Agro Festival held in Barra, Opol Misamis Oriental, conducted by the Regional Federation of Irrigators Association in Region 10. The RFIA is composed of 92 Irrigators' Associations coming from both the national and communal irrigation systems. The festival showcased the farm products in its province. Later in the afternoon, Administrator Nangel attended the RFIA 16th General Assembly as Guest Speaker. In his speech, Mr. Nangel acknowledged the valuable support and cooperation of the Irrigators Association in pursuing irrigation development and sought their support in the government's goal of rice self-sufficiency in 2013. In attendance to the General Assembly is the Regional Executive Director of DA-RFU 10 Mrs. Lalay Ramos. For her part, she committed to course thru the NIA and IA the distribution of 7,000 certified seed and various farming equipments given by DA. These equipments will be repaid by the recipients. Moreover, the Agricultural Training Institute ATI) vowed to collaborate with NIA in providing training to the farmers.
Administrator Nangel visited the ongoing Balingasag Irrigation Project. The project when completed by December 31, 2011 will irrigate 2,226 hectares of new area, and 274 hectares rehabilitated area. At present, Balingasag IP is irrigating 700 hectares. The project will benefit 2,213 farmers. In Misamis Occidental, Mr. Nangel visited Tangub Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) with Tangub City Mayor Philip Tan. When completed, the project will irrigate 394 hectares new area and 214hectares existing area. Tangub SRIP is targeted to be completed by 2012. It will benefit 660 farmers.
Administrator Nangel is accompanied by NIA Region 10 Regional Manager Julius S. Maquiling, NIA Consultant Reynaldo E. Concordia, PAIS Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez, SRIP Project Manager Ely Luz and other key staff of NIA Region 10.
