NIA boosts morale of farmers in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — As farmers were observed to experience difficulties in selling their produce, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has launched the KADIWA sa NIA aiming to provide a platform to boost their impact.

"Ang atoang nahibaw-an sa atong agriculture industry sa nasud, nagkaubos ug atong tan-awon atong farmers, nga lisod na gyud sila, kinahanglan na nato sila i-lift, not only para sa ilahang pangkabuhayan, but boost sad silang mga kaugalingon kay feeling nila ubos na kaayo sila," said Marites Ignacio-Soria, NIA Division Head for Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor Irrigation Office, in an interview Thursday.

She added that farmers often feel that they are being left behind in the society and that programs such as KADIWA sa NIA is a huge boost for their morale.

Yesterday, the KADIWA sa NIA was launched to serve as an avenue for the Cebuano farmers to sell their produce at a lower price. It is at a lower price since the goods were sold straight from farm to market.

According to Soria, there has been an urgent need to conduct the program that they are eyeing at least once a month.

This is in partnership with the local government unit of Cebu City and Confederation of Cebu Island Irrigators.

"Ang mga produce sa atong mga farmers, diresto nato ma baligya sa atong mga consumers, less ang prices, and presko gyud siya," said Soria.

Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr., chairman of the committee on agriculture in the City Council, shared the same view saying the farmers in Cebu City are faced with challenges to sustain.

According to him, the LGU is pushing to launch programs that would help them continue despite the economic difficulties.

The KADIWA sa NIA was participated by at least 288 members of Irrigators Association in Cebu Province that were clustered into four. There were two clusters in the south, one from the north and one from Cebu City.(CEBU NEWS)