MALOLOS CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) has completed two infrastructure projects that benefit farmers in Angat, Bulacan.

These include the Maiboy Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) and a one-kilometer farm-to-market road (FMR).

Provincial Agriculturist Ma. Gloria Carrillo disclosed that the P12-million SWIP irrigates a total of 35 hectares of farmlands in Barangays Banaban, Sta. Lucia, and Binagbag.

“It also has the potential to mitigate water peak discharge to avoid flooding in low lying areas of adjacent barangays during the rainy season,” she furthered.

DA plans to construct similar SWIPs in the municipalities of San Miguel and San Ildefonso.
 

The P20-million FMR, on the other hand, facilitates the transport of commodities including rice, mangoes, and other high-value commercial crops of some 50 farmers in Barangays Sta. Lucia and Binagbag.

It also lessens travel time and reduces post-harvest losses. 

Meanwhile, Angat farmers expressed their gratitude to the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for implementing programs and projects that ease their burden and increase yield during the harvest season.

Prime Farmers Association of Sta. Lucia Inc. President Joseph Del Rosario stated that in the past, they had a hard time harvesting which made them bargain their palay to traders resulting in low income.

But with the SWIP and FMR, farmers hope that the yield will increase to respond to the needs of the community, and help attain the goal of the government on food security. (CLJD/VFC-PIA 3)