THE Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) is intensifying efforts to provide irrigation across Mindanao, aiming to strengthen the region's agricultural sector.
Leo Magno, MinDA Chair, shared during a media forum on December 4, 2024, at Ayala Malls Abreeza that the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to support farms lacking reliable water sources.
MinDA is collaborating with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to make this vision a reality.
“Tinututukan natin yung pag irrigate sa mga lugar na kailangan ng patubig sa buong mindanao (We are focusing on irrigating areas in Mindanao that need water,),” he said.
Magno also unveiled a program aimed at empowering farmers in Mindanao. Set for the third week of December, the program will include the Mindanao Farmers’ Summit, a collaborative effort between MinDA and the Department of Agriculture (DA). The summit will help farmers identify their needs, such as machinery, fertilizers, and other farm inputs.
In addition, MinDA and its partners will assist farmers in acquiring these resources and guide on maximizing their income to improve their Return on Investment (ROI).
For the first time, a liaison office for the DA has been established in Mindanao. This team will visit various localities, working with Local Government Units (LGUs) to address specific agricultural needs, such as farm-to-market roads and other infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the NIA reported on April 19, 2024, the near completion of the P5.133-billion Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project Phase II (MMIP-II) in Barangay Villarica, Midsayap, North Cotabato. As of March 2024, the project had achieved 99.56% completion.
The MMIP-II, sourcing water from the Maridagao River, irrigates 9,528 hectares of farmland in North Cotabato and Maguindanao del Sur, benefiting 4,043 farmers.
MinDA plans to implement another P2.1-billion irrigation project at Lower Malitubog, which will serve 800 hectares of farmland. RGP
