LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – The Ilocos Norte Provincial Agriculture Office is taking action to help farmers deal with erratic weather by launching programs that strengthen farming resilience and ensure food supply in the province.
Initiatives include the provision of early-maturing seeds to speed up harvests, as well as water pumps, irrigation hoses, water harvesting facilities, and drums to address water shortages during dry spells.
To streamline access to support, the Provincial Agriculture Office has also implemented the “Agri Ka Dito” Program.
This program offers various channels for farmers to request support, including hotlines for remote communities and walk-in or written requests for those near the office.
The program helped 875 farmers get agricultural support from January to April 2025, including cleaning irrigation canals and digging small farm reservoirs.
The assistance covers 375 hectares, giving farmers vital water access to grow crops like rice and corn.
Beyond immediate support, the office also focuses on long-term capacity development. Farmers are organized into groups focusing on irrigation, crop production, and livelihood programs.
These groups receive training on climate change adaptation and join mitigation projects, such as planting bamboo in watersheds and setting up bamboo nurseries.
Engineer Ma. Teresa Bacnat, officer-in-charge of the Provincial Agriculture Office, emphasized the office’s commitment to monitoring and assisting farmers in need.
“We are actively monitoring farmers who need interventions, such as constructing or improving irrigation canals in preparation for the wet cropping season,” she stated.
Bacnat said the goal is to equip farmers with both short- and long-term strategies to address the effects of climate change.
“For example, planting bamboo in our watersheds and establishing nurseries will have long-term effects. We are conducting these activities to teach farmers how to adapt to and mitigate climate change,” she said.
Bacnat also highlighted the importance of crop insurance, urging farmers to take advantage of available government programs to protect their livelihoods.
“I encourage farmers to insure their crops because this is very important. If you need assistance, just visit our office— we are here for you,” she added.
The Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC) is a key support for Filipino farmers, offering crop insurance to help protect against unpredictable weather and disasters.
Through collaborative efforts, Ilocos Norte aims to create a more sustainable future for agriculture, ensuring that its farmers can thrive despite the unpredictable effects of climate change. (CCMT/MTDA/JLAC, PIA Ilocos Norte)
