06/07/2026
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by Kenneth Dhovan C. Natividad, PGIN-PIO
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte has intensified its interventions to help farmers sustain agricultural production, protect livelihoods, and strengthen water security across farming communities amid the prolonged dry season in the province.
Under the leadership of Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and Vice Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, through the Office of the Provincial Agriculture, the Provincial Government has rolled out assistance focused on improving irrigation, expanding water access, and promoting climate-resilient farming practices.
Among PGIN's major interventions is the development and rehabilitation of Small Farm Reservoirs (SFRs), which serve as vital water storage facilities for irrigation during periods of limited rainfall. This year, the Provincial Government has supported the construction of 179 new SFRs and the repair of 78 existing reservoirs through the provision of backhoes and over 15,000 liters of fuel to farmers' associations. In addition, more than 8 kilometers of irrigation canals have been dredged to improve water flow to agricultural lands.
To further strengthen irrigation infrastructure, the Provincial Government has funded the establishment of 38 Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems (SPIS), with two units already completed and 36 more currently under construction. The province has also undertaken the construction and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities, with one (1) project completed and five (5) more ongoing.
Recognizing the immediate water needs of farmers, PGIN has distributed 62 units of water pumps and over 1,400 rolls of irrigation hose, enabling farming communities to maximize available water resources and continue crop production despite the prolonged drought.
Moreover, PGIN has provided high-value crop seeds, fertilizers, and other agricultural inputs to help farmers improve productivity while adapting to changing weather conditions.
Gov. Araneta-Marcos emphasized that safeguarding the agricultural sector remains one of the Provincial Government's highest priorities.
"Our farmers are among the first to feel the impact of [the] drought, which is why we continue to invest in sustainable irrigation systems, water conservation initiatives, and climate-resilient agricultural programs."
Meanwhile, Vice Gov. Marcos Manotoc underscored the importance of proactive government action in protecting farmers' livelihoods, saying:
"Agriculture remains the backbone of many Ilokano families, and we will continue to ensure that our farmers can sustain their livelihoods despite increasingly unpredictable weather conditions."
The Provincial Government continues to work closely with local government units, farmers' organizations, and agricultural stakeholders to expand climate adaptation initiatives and ensure that Ilocos Norte's agricultural sector remains productive, resilient, and sustainable despite the challenges posed by unprecedented crises.
