NIA-7 gets 4 new excavators for agriculture development

CEBU, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-7 recently conducted a simultaneous blessing ceremony for its six new excavators distributed across Central Visayas provinces, marking a crucial step in its effort towards advancing the region’s agricultural development.

NIA-7 Regional Manager Rory F. Avance led the blessing of four excavators in Tagbilaran City, Bohol. One unit was designated for the regional office while two more was given to the Bohol-Cebu-Siquijor Irrigation Management Office (Bohol-Siquijor Office).

NIA-7 said deployment of these excavators aligns with the government’s commitment to support farmers by modernizing irrigation infrastructure, nationwide.

The six heavy equipment units, which came from the NIA Central Office’s Equipment Management Division (EMD), were meant for NIA-7 to fortify its construction, operation, and maintenance activities.

Avance, EMD Manager Orencio M. Apale, Acting Manager for Administration and Finance Marlon C. Macarayan, and Bohol-Siquijor Engineering Chief Evaristo Borja, were among the dignitaries present during the blessing ceremony.

Meanwhile, Negros Oriental Satellite Office (NOSO) and BCSIMO Cebu Office both received one excavator each. Simultaneous to Bohol, NOSO, headed by Engr. Helen T. Lacpao, also conducted its own blessing ceremony.

Earlier, NIA EMD turned over 23 newly procured excavators for the Visayas island group simultaneous to the nationwide turnover of 141 excavator units worth P766 million to NIA regional offices.

Cebu farmers were present to witness the turnover, which is seen to optimize irrigation systems and enhancing agricultural productivity in the region.

“This stride reflects the government’s commitment, through the leadership of President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. and the NIA Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen, towards aiding farmers through modernizing irrigation infrastructure across the country,” read the NIA-7 statement. — /RHM (FREEMAN)