Residents from Davao del Norte and surrounding barangays flocked to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Davao del Norte Irrigation Management Office to purchase the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka Rice, priced at just 29 pesos per kilo, during the “Kadiwa ng Pangulo sa NIA” on October 4, 2024, a total of 1,400 bags, each containing 10 kilos of rice, are available for sale.
The NIA prioritized buyers from vulnerable sectors, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and single parents.
Mrs. Norbeta Albet, a senior citizen from Barangay Sto. Niño, expressed her gratitude, stating, “Nagapasalamat gyud ko sa NIA. Dako kaayo ikatabang kining 10 kilos nga bugas sa tibuok nakong pamilya. Daghan kaayong salamat.” (I am truly thankful to NIA. This 10 kilos of rice is a huge help to my entire family. Thank you very much.)
The Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka Rice is the result of NIA’s Rice Contract Farming program, which enables participating farmers to receive ₱50,000 worth of farm inputs, including seeds, fertilizers, and other materials. The government’s support also extends to post-harvest activities, such as harvesting, drying, and milling. Additionally, farmers can receive another ₱50,000 per hectare if they achieve a yield of 5 tons per hectare.
Operation and Maintenance Unit Head Engr. Brendo Audiencia highlighted that the 1,400 bags available for sale today were harvested from approximately 5 hectares of rice farms covered by the Rice Farming Contract.
Currently, the IMO has two Irrigators Associations (IA) who signed up to the contract with a combined total of 32 hectares of rice farms in Barangays Gabuyan and Maniki, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. The office is actively working towards its goal of enrolling 250 hectares under the Rice Contract Farming program.
As recalled, the NIA Region XI participated in the simultaneous nationwide launch of the Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka Rice which took place on September 13, 2024. The Contract Farming initiative and the availability of rice at 29 pesos per kilogram are part of the agency’s response to the President’s call for quality and affordable rice, aimed at improving the lives of farmers and the community.
