In line with the department’s mission to provide available and affordable food for the Filipino people, the Department of Agriculture in Region 12 (DA-12) opened another diversion dam at Barangay Kanibong in Tulunan, North Cotabato on October 20, 2018.

Agriculture Secretary Manny F. Piñol, together with Regional Director Milagros C. Casis, the local government of Tulunan, and other DA officials, led the turnover of the P49.3 million (M)-worth diversion dam, expected to irrigate about 600 hectares production area of Barangay Kanibong.

In addition, the Department of Agriculture distributed other farm interventions and assistance amounting to more than P600,000. These include 600 bags of inbred seeds, 100 bags of certified seeds, 100 bags of corn seeds, 560 pieces of high value crops including Guyabano, Marang, Guava, Durian, Lanzones and Rambutan, and 30 pieces of Bolo under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) program.

Piñol also committed one unit of harvester and P10 million (M) allocation fund under the Production Loan Easy Access (PLEA) credit program.

“Four months from now, I would like to come back and see your harvests,” Piñol said.

In his message, he urged local governments to identify areas suitable for Solar-Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) to increase rice production.

Currently, an SPIS is being contructed in Barangay Nabundasan. It is expected to operate before end of the year.

The agri chief also committed feed mills and 11 hogs for barangays interested to increase their livestock income. This will be under the SAAD program.

Furthermore, Piñol has directed Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) to provide training on coconut production for all barangays interested to revive their coconut industry. ### (Kristel Merle, DA-AFID)