The summit commenced with a message from Engr. June Nathaniel Plaza, the regional manager of NIA-9 who expressed his utmost thanks to farmer-irrigators being in the forefront in agriculture, highlighting its essential role in the province’s food security and economic stability.

“Ang inyong walay puas nga dedikasyon sa pagtikad sa yuta ug pag-uma wala lamang nagbutang ug pagkaon sa among lamesa kundili nakabutang usab ug pundasyon alang sa kauswagan sa atong probinsya. Kanunay kaming mapasalamaton sa inyong kakugi aron mapalambo atong agrikultura,” he said.

(Your tireless dedication to cultivating the land and farming not only provided food on our table but also laid a foundation for the development of our province. We are always grateful for your hard work to improve our agriculture.)

Meanwhile, Governor Victor J. Yu who personally graced the activity reaffirmed his commitment that the provincial government is always ready to extend help with the needs of the IAs. He further reassures NIA that the provincial government can lend equipment in terms of repair and maintenance of some irrigation infrastructure.

“As per letter request ni Regional Manager nga anytime mugamit cya ug equipment sa province, ready atong probinsya nga magpahulos sa NIA,” he said.

(As per letter request of the Regional Manager, anytime if they want to use the equipment of the province, we are ready to lend our equipment to NIA.)

Another highlight of the summit was the ‘Kadiwaan sa NIA: Tabo-an’ where various local products from the IAs were displayed on sale such as fresh fruits and vegetables, locally produced coffee, tea, and other processed goods. This initiative of NIA allowed farmers to market their products and earn higher income by eliminating intermediaries while allowing consumers to buy agricultural products at a reasonable price.

The collaboration among these agencies opens doors to essential resources, technical assistance, and possible funding opportunities for programs and projects that can significantly boost agricultural productivity. The linkage fostered during the summit will serve as a driving force for growth and development in the agricultural sector thereby alleviating the lives of the farmer-irrigators in Zamboanga del Sur. (RVC/SBM/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)