PBBM LEADS CEREMONIAL TURNOVER OF P782-M NIA HEAVY EQUIPMENT
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. led the Ceremonial Turnover of 148 units of various operations and maintenance (O&M) equipment on August 7, 2024 at Global Construct City, Mexico, Pampanga as part of NIA’s efforts to secure efficient irrigation project implementation.
With an aggregate cost of P782 million, the acquisition of new excavators, trailer trucks, and dumpers is the 2nd Tranche of NIA 3-Year Refleeting Program from CY 2023-2025. The heavy equipment will be used by NIA Regional Offices and Project Management Offices nationwide in the operation and maintenance (O&M) of irrigation systems, especially in canal desilting operations in preparation for Wet Crop Season.
Looking back, the 1st Tranche of equipment acquisition composed of 141 units of wheeled excavator was turned over to NIA Field Offices nationwide on December 13, 2023. President Marcos also led the ceremonial turnover at Subic Bay Maritime Authority (SBMA), Zambales.
During the pre-program, the symbolic keys of various equipment were handed over by SANY and Sinotruck to NIA Administrator Engr. Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen and eventually turned over to NIA Field Offices nationwide, represented by NIA Region III Manager Engr. Josephine B. Salazar (Luzon), NIA Region VI Manager Engr. Jonnel B. Borres (Visayas), and NIA Region XII Manager Engr. Diosdado Rosales (Mindanao).
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, House Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales, Jr., Iloilo 1st District Representative Janet Garin, and DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. graced the ceremony. Senior Deputy Administrator Robert C. Suguitan, Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Sector Engr. C’zar M. Sulaik, Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Sector Robert Victor G. Seares, Jr., NIA Regional Managers, local government officials, representatives from different sectors, and IA Presidents nationwide led by National Confederation of Irrigators Associations (NCIA) President Hon. Remy Albano were also present in the event.
In his message, NIA Administrator Guillen highlighted that the heavy equipment will bring a better hope for the future of the Filipino farmers and of the country’s irrigated agriculture.
“A better hope for the future of our farmers and the agricultural sector lies in irrigation. With sufficient and efficient equipment, coupled with our bayanihan efforts, we can make a huge difference in improving the lives of our farmers. Ito ang diwa ng isang maunlad na Bagong Pilipinas na minimithi nating lahat”, the Administrator said.
During his message, President Marcos emphasized the importance of O&M equipment in agricultural abundance and climate change adaptation. He expressed his gratitude to the sacrifices of the Filipino farmers in supporting the country’s agricultural sector.
“Kailanman, hindi po namin kayo pababayaan. Habang ginagawa nating maunlad at moderno ang sektor ng agrikultura, hindi natin kalilimutan at iiwanan ang bawat magsasakang Pilipino”, the President said.
Being the topmost on the 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda of the current administration, food security also serves as NIA’s priority in fast-tracking irrigation development. All of these are aimed towards the realization of the President’s vision of a Bagong Pilipinas for the farmers and for the Filipino people.
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