NIA Zamboanga Peninsula celebrated its 50th National Nutrition Month with a culminating event on July 31, 2024, at the NIA-9 Regional Office in Balintawak, Pagadian City. The day was marked by an array of activities aimed at promoting health and wellness among the participants. The event kicked off with an energetic Zumba Competition, where teams showcased their fitness and dance skills, setting a lively tone for the day's celebrations.

In addition to the physical activities, the event also focused on raising awareness about critical health issues. Ms. Carousel Mae Lamatan, Senior Industrial Nurse, delivered informative sessions on Schistosomiasis and Chikungunya, emphasizing prevention and management strategies. These advocacy sessions were crucial in educating attendees about these diseases, which are prevalent in the region.

On July 31, 2024, a Mass Contract signing event took place as 32 Irrigators' Associations (IAs) from the Zamboanga Peninsula region committed to participate in the NIA's Rice Contract Farming Program for the dry season, encompassing a total of 845.04 hectares of rice land. This marks the second phase of the program aimed at enhancing rice production and providing critical support to farmers through essential inputs.

The program is designed to boost farmer productivity and efficiency by offering high-quality seeds and fertilizers, thereby equipping farmers with the necessary resources to optimize their operations. The mass signing ceremony was led by Regional Manager June Nathaniel S. Plaza, with support from Zamboanga Sur Irrigation Management Office Acting Manager Joel Janiola and Supervising IDO Rosie Lyn Bayawa. This initiative highlights the Agency's ongoing efforts to support and develop the agricultural sector, reinforcing its role in fostering sustainable farming practices and ensuring food security.

Galas, Dipolog City, July 31, 2024 — The NIA Zamboanga del Norte Regional Sub-Office (ZDN RSO) headed by Engr. Girlie M. Detalla attended the Turn out Service Area Group (TSAG) meeting of the Dipolog National Irrigation System (NIS) to address pressing concerns affecting the local agricultural sector. Central to the discussions was the recurring issue of flooding during the wet crop season, which has severely impacted farmers in the province.

The flooding problem has been attributed to silted drainage facilities, which hinder proper water flow and result in significant waterlogging of fields. Engr. Detalla detailed plans to combat this issue, including the deployment of a backhoe to the affected areas in the first week of August. This initiative, in collaboration with the NIA-9 Regional Office, aims to clear the silt from drainage systems and improve overall water management within the irrigation framework

On July 30, 2024, the NIA Zamboanga del Norte Regional Sub-Office (ZDN RSO) participated in the market linkage program called the "Kadiwa ng Pangulo," held at the Provincial Convention Center in Dipolog City. The activity, facilitated by the Office of the Provincial Agriculture, showcased a diverse array of products from local farmers, aiming to promote agricultural productivity and food security.

The ZDN RSO displayed a variety of agricultural products from its Irrigators Associations (IAs). Fresh vegetables, fruits, and other high-quality produce were sold at competitive prices, highlighting the province's agricultural potential and the hard work of local farmers. This event provided a platform for farmers to directly market their products to consumers, ensuring fair pricing and enhanced market access.

Earlier today, July 29, 2024, the NIA Zamboanga del Norte Regional Sub-Office (ZDN RSO) conducted a specialized training session on Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) for 35 members of the Butigan Lantoy Irrigators Association, Inc. (BLIA) in Sto. Niño, Polanco. This initiative aims to enhance water efficiency and crop yields over the 25-hectare area managed by the IA during the 2024 Wet Season. AWD is an advanced irrigation technique that alternates between drying and re-wetting rice fields. This method not only conserves water but also has the potential to increase or maintain rice yields.

The NIA training session provided participants with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for effective implementation of AWD. Key areas covered included the scientific principles behind the method, optimal field preparation, accurate water level monitoring, and the environmental and economic advantages of AWD.