The National Irrigation Administration in the Davao Region (NIA-11) has launched the “PalitAni sa Onse,” an agricultural expo and trade fair for rice farmers, at its regional office on Tuesday.
Engr. Dexter Sablaon, acting regional manager of NIA-11, stated that the two-day event aims to connect farmers directly with consumers, offering farm-fresh products at lower prices while boosting farmers’ income. The expo features fresh produce, including rice, fruits, vegetables, meats, and poultry products, showcased by farmer-beneficiaries from across the region.
“I want to emphasize that the farmers are the main reason we have the PalitAni. You are our partners and allies in irrigation development,” Sablaon said. He noted that PalitAni is a marketing model supported by NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen, allowing farmers to connect directly with consumers without intermediaries.
Sablaon also committed to making “PalitAni sa Onse” a permanent program to support Kadiwa sa NIA, aiming to strengthen market links for the region’s irrigation associations. “This way, we open up greater opportunities for greater profit margins and better livelihoods for our farmers,” he added.