DAR pours in over P31-M worth of support projects to increase productivity of Silago farmers

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
June 27, 2013

SILAGO, Southern Leyte – The Department of Agrarian Reform recently turned over more than P31-million worth of agricultural support projects to the local government unit (LGU) of this town.

Turned over for the recipient’s maintenance were the communal irrigation system (CIS) with a total project cost of P24.8-million; the potable water supply (PWS) amounting to P4.3-million; and the common service facilities (CSFs) with a combined total amount of P2.2-million, all situated in Barangay Hingatungan, an agrarian reform community (ARC).

DAR Regional Director Eliasem Castillo disclosed that the irrigation system which is expected to supply water to about 153 hectares of rice fields in the area and potable water supply that will benefit more than 2,000 residents, were funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) thru the third phase of the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP-3) under the Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) component of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Meanwhile, the farm machineries which include four hand tractors; four flatbed dryers; and two threshers were funded under the Agrarian Reform Communities Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS) for the agri-enterprise activities of the Hingatungan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative, the Regional Director added.

Director Castillo underscored that with irrigation and the necessary farm implements now in place, agricultural production in this area particularly rice is expected to improve in the succeeding cropping season.

Eventually, household income of the farmers where about 500 are agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) will likewise increase, Director Castillo added.

These projects will greatly contribute to the National Rice Program of the Department of Agriculture in attaining rice sufficiency at least in this province, the DAR Regional Director said.