The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 11 reaffirmed its commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening irrigation communities during the 14th Irrigators’ Associations Congress held in Davao Region on Wednesday.
The three-day event, which runs until Nov. 6, gathered over 350 participants, including farmer-beneficiaries and representatives from partner agencies.
NIA Administrator Eduardo “Eddie” Guillen emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “We discussed various issues and listened to the farmers’ suggestions. It’s important to revisit the core principle of NIA, which always promotes a participatory approach.”
Guillen said the congress reinforces the shared goal of building a more productive and sustainable agricultural sector.
NIA-11 acting regional manager Engr. Dexter Sablaon noted that the annual gathering strengthens partnerships with irrigators’ associations, while Regional Confederation of IAs vice president Mario Tiburcio expressed gratitude for the continued support of the agency.
With the theme “Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka: Kaagapay ng NIA at Ibang Ahensya sa Pagsulong ng Makabagong Irigasyon at Likas-Yamang Agrikultura,” the event highlighted inter-agency cooperation and innovation in irrigation and agriculture.