MALAYBALAY CITY (PIA)—The Department of Agriculture in Northern Mindanao (DA NorMin) turned over recently a Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) or Rainwater Harvesting Structure (RWS) in Sitio Lunokan, Miglamin, Malaybalay City.

Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado, who led the turnover ceremony, said the P18 million project, funded by the DA-Bureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM) in the region, under its Locally Funded Project-Rainwater Harvesting Structure (LFP-RWS) will benefit 87 rice farmers who are members of Lunokan Farmers Small Water Irrigation System Association (LUFASWISA).

Collado said the SWIP or RWS will irrigate around 120 hectares of rainfed rice production areas in Lunokan, which will increase cropping intensity and crop yield, thereby increasing farmers' income.

Guided with the OneDA approach, the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources 10 (DA-BFAR 10) also stocked the area with 23,000 Tilapia and Carp fingerlings to provide an additional source of food for the community.

Chief Henry Apolinares of the DA-BSWM National Soil & Water Resources Research & Development Center for Highland Pedo-Ecological Zone Center, together with Malaybalay City ABEHead Engr. Joel delos Reyes; DA-RFO Regional Agricultural Engineering Division Chief Engr. Deliza Camaro; and DA-BFAR Bukidnon Provincial Fisheries Officer Marlou Fernandez also graced the event. (DA-10/PIA-10/Bukidnon)