FLORIDABLANCA, Pampanga – As part of his advocacy to improve the lot of Filipino farmers, Sen. Rodante Marcoleta on Saturday inspected dams and irrigation systems and engaged farmers groups in dialogs in Bulacan, Tarlac, and Pampanga.
Accompanied by National Irrigation Administration regional and provincial officials, Marcoleta visited Magsaysay Dam in Barangay Nambalan, Mayantoc, Tarlac; Caulaman Dam in Barangay Dampe, Floridablanca, Pampanga; and the 15HP solar-powered pump project in Barangay Dulong Malabon, Pulilan, Bulacan. “This is part of our advocacy to help farmers across the country improve their production by establishing reliable irrigation systems. We must produce enough food for the people,” Marcoleta said in the local dialect.
NIA Region 3 acting manager Christian Manalo announced that the agency is allotting P500 million for the rehabilitation of the Porac-Gumain River Irrigation System to start within the year.
“Basically, the rehabilitation project will improve the harnessing of water for farmlands,” Manalo said.
Marcoleta disclosed that more than 16,000 farmers and some 35,000 hectares of farmland will benefit from the NIA projects. He also interacted with farmers, most of whom were from Pampanga, and assured them of his continued support.
“I was a farmer. My father was a farmer. I understand your plight,” he said in his speech.
At the same event, Marcoleta met with members of irrigators’ associations. They told the senator that their production increased with the help of improved irrigation systems.
Floridablanca Mayor Michael Galang expressed gratitude to the NIA and Marcoleta. He said that more than 3,000 farmers in their town will benefit from the project. Floridablanca is one of the major producers of farm products in Pampanga. Press release
