SAN FERNANDO, BUKIDNON — In a move to enhance agricultural productivity in rural communities, the Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA-10) turned over three agricultural infrastructure projects worth more than P12 million to the Local Government Unit of San Fernando, Bukidnon, on December 18, 2024.
DA-10 Regional Executive Director Jose Apollo Y. Pacamalan led the turnover ceremony, handing over a certificate for a P7.4-million Solar-Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) to San Fernando Municipal Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke and Barangay Cayaga Captain Noel R. Espares. The event was witnessed by Municipal Agriculturist Coleen Alva C. Ambos and other local officials.
The SPIS, funded under DA’s 2024 Rice Program, is equipped with an 80-panel solar array and a 22-kilowatt pump capable of irrigating up to 20.5 hectares of rainfed rice fields. Barangay Captain Espares noted its transformative potential for local farmers.
“In the past, our farming heavily relied on rainfall, and water was sourced manually from the creek. This solar-powered pump will ensure consistent irrigation, enabling optimal cropping, higher yields, and increased income for our farmers,” Espares said.
Rehabilitated Diversion Dam and Coffee-Cacao Nursery
Also included in the turnover were two additional projects:
- Candelaria Diversion Dam Rehabilitation (P4.5M)
Funded under DA’s 2023 Rice Program, the improved 500-meter dam in Sitio Riverside now services 60 hectares of farmland. The dam was officially handed over to the Candelaria Balongkot Irrigators’ Association, represented by Chairperson Ben C. Cayang. - Coffee and Cacao Nursery (P496,950)
Funded through the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan, the 180-square-meter nursery in Barangay Halapitan has the capacity to grow 20,000–30,000 coffee and cacao seedlings. It was turned over to the Organisasyon sa Nagkahiusang Ipalambo ang Katawhan ug Kinaiyahan Multi-Purpose Cooperative (ORGANIKK MPC), chaired by Nicolas T. Filipino.
Filipino expressed optimism about the nursery’s potential, highlighting its role in facilitating intercropping initiatives. “This nursery gives us a dedicated space to grow seedlings provided by the government, ensuring the success of these projects while allowing us to explore intercropping coffee and cacao with coconuts,” he said.
Strong Collaboration for Rural Development
The turnover ceremony was attended by local leaders, including SB Agriculture Committee Chair Dante C. Dy, SB Member Richard Taboclaon, and representatives from DA-10, including Engr. Arlene Almo and Engr. Romil G. Española.
These projects underscore DA-10’s commitment to empowering rural communities through sustainable and modern agricultural initiatives.