LAL-LO, Cagayan (PIA) -- Members of over 17 irrigators’ association under the Magapit Irrigation System participated in the Grand Harvest Festival conducted by the National Irrigation Administration – Magapit Pump Irrigation System (NIA-MPIS) at Lal-lo Multi-Purpose Gymnasium, Centro, Lal-lo, Cagayan.

NIA-MPIS System Head Rowila S. Macoco said the special occasion is for all the farmer-beneficiaries of the MPIS to include the farmers from the towns of Aparri, Buguey, Lal-lo, and Camalaniugan.

Macoco said that this year’s theme “Progreso ay Makakamtan kung lahat ay Magtutulungan,” is truly in line with the challenges of Filipino farmers are currently facing such as expensive commodities, continuous increase of petroleum, high input costs for planting and the low buying price of rice.

“Gayunpaman, ginagawa lahat ng gobyerno para pagbutihin pa ang pamumuhay ng magsasaka katulad lamang ng libreng patubig o ang Free Irrigation Service Act, pagbibigay ng libreng abono, binhi, mga farm machineries, at marami pang iba.” Macoco said during her opening message.

Moreover, the Grand Harvest Festival was highlighted by awarding plaques and certificates to farmers’ associations for their exemplary performance during the functionality assessment previously conducted by the NIA-MPIS. (OTB/MJPT/PIA Region 2)