TACLOBAN CITY – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in the region successfully held a one-day “Kadiwa ng Pangulo” event on December 27, 2024, at Rizal Plaza, this city, offering rice at a significantly reduced price of P29 per kilogram.
The initiative aimed to provide relief to residents burdened by rising rice prices, with 10-kilogram bags sold at the event.
Priority was given to vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs), solo parents, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries. Each buyer was limited to one 10-kilo bag and required to present a valid ID.
For locals like Claudette Macawile from Sagkahan who works as a volunteer village watchman, the event was a welcome relief. “This is a big help for us because I was able to save today,” she said.”
Similarly, Marilyn dela Cruz of Brgy. 39, Calvary Hill, expressed her appreciation for the initiative, which allowed her to save significantly.
“This saved money will be used for other necessities,” she said.
The P290 she spent on a 10-kilo bag was half her usual expense of over Php 600. Her family of three consumes this amount of rice every two weeks.
According to Jean Sarah Francisco, NIA-8 information officer, the rice sold during the event was sourced from farmers in Abuyog and Javier who are part of the Bito River Irrigation System.
These farmers are beneficiaries of NIA’s “Farming Support Service Program,” which aims to increase agricultural productivity and farmer incomes.
Under this program, farmers receive a P50,000 support package comprising hybrid seeds, fertilizers, and labor cost assistance. In return, they provide NIA with five metric tons of rice per harvest. If a farmer’s yield falls short, the incentives are adjusted proportionately.
Although the event lasted only one day, Francisco assured the public that NIA plans to conduct more Kadiwa ng Pangulo events next year to reach more residents in the region.
This initiative underscores NIA’s dedication to supporting local farmers while ensuring that affordable rice is accessible to vulnerable communities, proving that partnerships between farmers and government programs can create meaningful change, she added.
(ROEL T.AMAZONA)
