Various Irrigators Associations (IAs) and Local Chief Executives in Region XI gathered together on April 27, 2023, for an IA Congress and Stakeholders' Forum held at Dakak Resort, Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte.
The event was organized by NIA Region IX headed by Regional Manager Salome N. Layasan. It aims to address common issues affecting irrigation services and agricultural production of farmers in the region. Moreover, it serves as the perfect avenue for NIA’s clienteles to hear the strategic plans of the Philippine Government, through NIA Administrator, on how to strengthen the value chain of the agri-food system.
The activity was participated by over 255 IAs region-wide and diverse group of stakeholders composed of local chief executives and representatives from the local government units (LGUs), officials from the Department of Agriculture (DA), and community leaders, all of whom share a common goal of promoting sustainable and profitable agriculture.
The IA Congress and Stakeholders Forum was graced by no less than NIA Acting Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen who served as the Guest of Honor and Speaker. One of the highlights of the congress was the sharing of strategies and best practices by Administrator Guillen himself, which focused on wealth creation capacity of agriculture in the Philippines. He expounded on the importance of whole-of-nation approach or the convergence of all government sectors in reducing poverty in the agricultural sector, which drew so much inspiration and hopes to all listeners.
At the end of the congress, the farmers expressed their gratitude to the Agency for consistently providing updates on various programs and initiatives at are aimed at helping farmers. The IAs along with the LGUs pledged to work together to implement solutions to continue to improve the farming activities in the region.