ILOILO City — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Regional Office 6 has intensified coordination with farmers and irrigators’ associations ahead of the opening of major irrigation systems and dams in Western Visayas, as it pushes expanded planting schedules and improved water distribution to maximize rice production this cropping season.
The agency said preparations are now underway for the wet-season cropping cycle, which runs from May to September, while continuing to promote its “double dry cropping” program aimed at increasing harvests and strengthening food security in the region.
NIA-6 emphasized that the initiative allows interested farmers to continue planting and receiving irrigation support even beyond the conventional dry-season schedule.
“This initiative empowers interested farmers by allowing them to plant and receive irrigation support even during periods following the conventional dry season,” the agency stated in a statement.
“By broadening the planting window, farmers can significantly increase their rice yields, thereby bolstering their income and contributing to the region’s food security,” it added.
NIA-6 said it is implementing the Cropping Calendar and Pattern of Planting (CCPP), a framework designed to synchronize irrigation schedules and farming activities among the agency, irrigators’ associations (IAs), and farmers.
Under the system, agricultural activities are carefully coordinated from land preparation and soaking to crop maintenance and harvesting to ensure efficient farm operations throughout the season.
The agency also highlighted the importance of the Water Delivery and Distribution (WDD) system, which regulates the schedule and allocation of irrigation water based on Operation and Maintenance (O&M) plans.
NIA stressed that strict adherence to the WDD schedule is necessary to prevent disputes among water users and ensure equitable access to irrigation supply.
“Adherence to the WDD schedule is imperative to avoid conflicts among users and to guarantee that all farmers have timely access to the water they need to nurture their crops,” the agency said.
Beyond irrigation management, NIA-6 renewed its call for stronger community participation in maintaining irrigation facilities, particularly through canal clearing and maintenance drives involving farmers and IAs.
The agency said the spirit of bayanihan remains essential in sustaining efficient irrigation systems and fostering shared responsibility within farming communities.
“To realize sustainable and effective irrigation services, collaboration, cooperation, and coordination among all stakeholders involved in the irrigation process are necessary,” NIA-6 said.
The agency added that strengthened teamwork and proactive community engagement are expected to improve agricultural productivity while helping secure the livelihood and economic stability of farmers across Western Visayas./PN
