A total of ₱96 million worth of agricultural interventions were awarded to farmers in Kalinga during a ceremonial turnover held on February 13,2026 at the Provincial Capitol Grounds, Tabuk City, Kalinga.
The assistance package includes solar-powered irrigation systems, spring development irrigation projects, irrigation canals, diversion dams, corn warehouses, multi-crop drying pavements, heirloom rice project grants, KADIWA financial grants, indemnity checks, LEED projects, one hauling truck, mechanical drying systems from Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, and livelihood projects from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region (BFAR-CAR) under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program.
A total of 30 Farmers’ Cooperatives and Associations (FCAs) and 10 individual farmers benefitted from the interventions. These interventions are expected to improve irrigation efficiency, increase farm productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, enhance product quality, strengthen value-adding activities, and expand market access for commodities such as rice, corn, high-value crops,livestock and poultry, and fisheries products. Ultimately, the support aims to increase farmers’ income and promote sustainable agricultural development in the province.
During the ceremonial turnover, Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary for Operations Engr. Roger V. Navarro reminded the beneficiaries to properly maintain the equipment and facilities to ensure their longevity and sustained benefits. He emphasized that the DA is now strengthening its consultation mechanisms to ensure that government interventions are aligned with the actual needs of farmers.
“Noong araw kung ano ang gusto namin, pero iba na ngayon. Ngayon po kung ano yung gusto ninyo, yun na po ang mangyayari. Yun po ang gustong mangyari ng ating Secretary. Pero dapat alagaan niyo din yang mga makinarya para magamit niyo ng matagal at makatulong,” Navarro said. (Before, it was based on what we wanted, but things are different now. Today, what you want will be followed. That is what our Secretary wants to happen. However, you must also take care of the machinery so you can use them for a long time and truly benefit from them.)
The ceremonial turnover formed part of the celebration of the Bodong Festival and the Founding Anniversary of the Province of Kalinga.//Leny D. Mendoza
DA-CAR Press Release No. 26-11