LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — In preparation for the rainy season and the La Niña weather phenomenon, the Department of Agriculture here has distributed hybrid rice seeds that are resilient against the onslaught of rains.
Provincial agriculturist Teresa Bacnat said the hybrid rice seeds have already been positioned for the coming crop season.
“In preparation for the rainy season, which we refer to as the fresh-cropping season for rice, we have already positioned hybrid seeds provided by the DA,” said Bacnat.
Moreover, the provincial government continues to support local farmers by distributing equipment and supplies necessary for better harvests.
Water pumps and irrigation hoses are essential for efficient water management, ensuring rice fields are adequately watered.
Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc announced in a press conference that the provincial government has recently distributed machinery to aid farmers, as well as organic and inorganic fertilizers.
“These past few months alone, we’ve given 42 water pumps and 51 irrigation hoses, and the other equipment will be available in a month or two,” Manotoc said.
The provincial government of Ilocos Norte commits to continuing the delivery of assistance and support to the agricultural sector and ensuring that the farmers of Ilocos Norte have the resources they need during the rainy season.
Further, Marcel Tabije, provincial disaster risk reduction and management officer, reported there is an ongoing desilting of waterways in flood-prone areas in the towns of Paoay, Pinili, Badoc, and Pagudpud.
“We are declogging these waterways in anticipation of heavy rains and bringing back their depth to prevent overflow that inundates nearby communities,” said Tabije.
The provincial government lends its backhoe, excavator, and other equipment to towns to expedite the desilting of rivers and creeks.
“We continue to appeal to all our constituents to always be prepared as rainy days come,” Tabije urged. (JCR/AMB/MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte
