PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (PIA) - Farmers in Zamboanga Peninsula received water pumps from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to help them survive the El Niño phenomenon that is expected to affect agricultural production.

A total of 16 diesel-powered water pumps were loaned to farmers’ associations as the dry spell has significantly affected farmlands in the region, said NIA regional manager June Nathaniel Plaza.

The NIA took the initiative of lending water pumps to the farmers in this drought season because the pumps help to increase water pressure, regulate flow, and ensure efficient water distribution, which is essential for maintaining proper soil moisture levels for healthy crop growth. 

Gov. Victor J. Yu pledged to seek funding support for farmers in Zamboanga del Sur.

In addition to the water pumps, the Department of Agriculture (DA) distributed 11 kilograms of high-value crop seeds to the IAs to promote early planting initiatives and synchronize planting. DA believes that this effort will help NIA’s system accelerate progress toward achieving the goal of making lasting contributions to ensuring the farmers’ welfare and production.

DA chief of field operations Hannibal Bayo-ang emphasized, “To guarantee food for every Filipino, we are all committed to the cause and ensuring nga ang welfare sa atoang mag uuma will be able to be put at the forefront.” 

(To guarantee food for every Filipino, we are all committed to the cause and ensuring that the welfare of our farmers will be at the forefront.)

The turnover of water pumps and the distribution of high-value crop seeds are part of the government’s strategy to equip farmers with the necessary tools and resources to withstand the impacts of drought. With these, farmers can optimize their yields even in the face of adverse weather conditions that contribute to the stability of food production in the Zamboanga Peninsula. (KSA/EDT/HTB/KGP-GIP/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)