The Department of Agriculture-10, through Regional Director Jose Apollo Pacamalan, graces the Regional Irrigators Association Congress and Inter-agency Coordination, March 25, where the department calls for the support of irrigators associations in the speedy implementation of agricultural programs. (Photo: HSGA/PIA-10)
CAGAYAN DE ORO (PIA) — The Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office (DA-RFO)-10 called on the Region 10 Federation of Irrigators Associations (RFIA-10) to enhance collaboration and expedite the implementation of the Farming Support Services Program.
At the Regional Irrigators Association Congress and Inter-agency Coordination on March 25, DA Regional Director Jose Apollo Pacamalan emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts between farmers, the government, and the department to improve agricultural support services.
“Atong pahingusgan atong partnership, aron dili maglain og ruta ang Department of Agriculture, kung dili, muuban sab sa Irrigators Associations,” Pacamalan said.
(We will strengthen our partnership so that the Department of Agriculture will not go in a different direction but will instead work alongside the Irrigators Associations.)
A major concern raised was the distribution of farming support services inputs to farmers. Pacamalan acknowledged that the Commission on Audit flagged the DA for unclaimed stocks due to missing signatories. To address this, he proposed measures to improve the efficiency and transparency of input distribution.
Pacamalan recommended that farming technicians, through their respective Irrigators Associations, engage with local farmers to resolve issues and ensure all eligible farmers receive the support they need.
“Dili mi mu-release og abono ug binhi kung walay listahan daan sa ngalan nga gi-submit daan sa irrigators association.” Pacamalan clarified, stressing the importance of proper documentation before input distribution.
(We will not release fertilizer and soil if there is no list coming from the Irrigator’s Association.)
To improve agricultural productivity, DA-10 plans to conduct soil analysis by collecting samples before the first planting season. This aims to help farmers achieve better crop yields.
DA-10 also committed to working with local government units to streamline the distribution process and address both technical and logistical challenges. (HSGA/PIA-10)
