By Brian Campued
In line with the administration’s commitment to boost local production by expanding irrigated agricultural lands nationwide, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday led the inauguration of a new irrigation facility in Bohol.
In his speech, Marcos said the Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Calape, Bohol, is expected to irrigate up to 300 hectares of farmland, improve crop yields, stabilize production cycles, as well as support aquaculture and flood management.
During the unveiling of the project marker together with Department of Agriculture (DA) Sec. Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and National Irrigation Administration Admi. Eduardo Guillen, the President, noted the importance of investing in agricultural infrastructure and implementing measures to stabilize rice supply and prices, especially amid challenges such as rising prices, climate change, and global market conditions.
“Alam naman po natin na basta’t ang pinag-uusapan ay ang agrikultura, lalo na ang palay at bigas, ang pinakamahalaga [ay] ang patubig,” Marcos said. “Kaya’t ito ang aming binibigyan talaga ng pansin para maparami natin ang irrigated lands dito sa buong Pilipinas.”
He also cited the role of irrigation systems in expanding local production and achieving rice self-sufficiency, thereby reducing the country’s reliance on importing rice.
With the dam and irrigation facilities of the SRIP already operational since the test run on Aug. 20, the project is expected to provide year-round irrigation to at least four barangays in Calape—Calunasan, Abucayan Sur, Lucob, and Bentig—benefiting around 400 farmers.
“Kaya para sa ating mga magsasaka ay gagawin namin ang lahat para tulungan kayo na ‘yung production ninyo ay maging mas mataas, at ang kita ninyo ay magiging mas mataas,” Marcos said.
‘Benteng bigas’ now available in Bohol
Continuing his promise to make rice more accessible and affordable to Filipinos, Marcos Jr. also led the launch of the “Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na” Program in Bien Unido town.
During the visit, the President highlighted that the rice sold at P20 per kilo to the vulnerable sector were harvested in Bohol, helping local farmers.
According to the DA, the initial rollout in Bien Unido will benefit approximately 2,700 residents, including senior citizens, solo parents, persons with disabilities (PWDs), 4Ps beneficiaries, farmers, fisherfolk, and minimum wage earners.
To date, the government has launched the BBM Na Program in at least 223 sites nationwide, intending to reach 15 million households by next year.
Marcos also assured continued support to local farmers through programs such as farm modernization and distribution of tractors and harvesting equipment.
“So, titingnan po natin… para ‘yung kita sa pagproseso ng palay hanggang bigas ay hindi mapupunta sa ibang lugar. Hindi na mapupunta sa middleman, ‘yung trader, at maiiwan na rito sa inyo para… gaganda ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka. ‘Yan po ang aming tinatrabaho,” he said.
While in Calape town, Marcos also oversaw the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) Caravan of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) in Mandaug Elementary School.
During the caravan, around 200 beneficiaries received a wide range of free healthcare services and other PhilHealth services.
Launched in July, YAKAP is PhilHealth’s enhanced primary care benefit package offering more comprehensive medical services for its members, such as free check-ups, laboratory tests, cancer screening tests, as well as access to at least 75 medicines worth up to P20,000 yearly through accredited primary care facilities.
The President and the Department of Education (DepEd), led by Sec. Sonny Angara, also distributed 118 school bags to Grade 1 and 2 students, along with two smart board televisions.
-jpv
