DA offers support services for water tech investments

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Agriculture is ready to help companies that are interested to venture into innovative infrastructures on water management and farming development.

This is according to DA-7 Regional Technical Director Marina Hermoso who said the agency would be willing to provide support services for water technology investments which are being introduced by Israeli companies in the Philippines.

"We will help whatever we can to realize these projects," the director told The FREEMAN at the sidelines of the trade mission of the Embassy of Israel here. It will be to our advantage also kay ato man no sila i-link to potential partners here."

The agriculture sector in the country has been looking at advanced technologies to help boost production of farmers in various localities, she noted.

She added the entry of innovative ideas from foreign companies could fasten the government's effort to hike the growth of the farming industry.

The smart water technology and other innovations for the sector, she said, could possibly be incorporated in the six-year Philippine Rural Development Project which aims to get back the strength and big potential of agriculture in the country's economic development.

The official urged business groups, local governments and farmers' groups to propose and advocate on these projects.

Gerry Avila, Agribusiness Division chief, particularly cited the country's irrigation system and greenhouse development as potential areas that have to be enhanced to increase efficiency.

He added water-conservation technologies are definitely needed now as water scarcity becomes a real issue in many parts of the world and as climate change takes toll on many industries. — (FREEMAN)