DA vows continued support to Kalinga farmers as province ranks among country’s top 10 in rice production performance

TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured continued assistance to Kalinga farmers and fisherfolk as the province maintains its position as the leading rice producer in the Cordillera and ranks among the country’s top 10 rice-producing provinces when it comes to production.

Despite its lower volume, the DA has repeatedly recognized Kalinga in its national Rice Achievers Awards as one of the few Outstanding Provinces in the Country. This award measures production growth, high adoption of agricultural technologies, and self-sufficiency.

DA Assistant Secretary Brando Aguilera, who represented Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr., gave the assurance during the inauguration of the ₱30.56-million Bulo-Magasusu Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) in Barangay Bulo, Tabuk City, on November 5.

“Patuloy po kaming makikipagtulungan sa inyo, sa abot po ng aming makakaya, para ipaabot po sa ating mga fisherfolk ang farmers ang tulong na kayang ibigay po ng gobyerno,” Aguilera said.

Danilo P. Daguio, Regional Technical Director for Operations of DA-CAR, said Kalinga is among the country’s top 10 rice-producing provinces and remains the Cordillera’s leading rice producer.

In 2025, the province produced 138,553 metric tons of rice, accounting for more than 40 percent of the region’s total production of 339,249 metric tons.

One of the interventions aimed at sustaining agricultural production is the Bulo-Magasusu SWIP, which is designed to provide a more reliable water supply to 85 hectares of farmland, particularly during prolonged dry periods.

Aguilera emphasized the importance of protecting and maintaining the facility to ensure that future generations of farmers will also benefit from it.

“Alam niyo po, ito pong inauguration ng Small Water Impounding Project ay lubhang napakahalaga po sa ating lahat… Ito po ay ating pagyamanin, ingatan para maging sustainable po. Hindi lang po itong kasalukuyang henerasyon ang makikinabang kundi pati na rin po ang mga susunod na henerasyon. Deserve po natin lahat ito,” he said.

He also said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has been prioritizing food security, with irrigation facilities serving as an important foundation for increasing and sustaining agricultural production.

Located in Sitio Magasusu, Barangay Bulo, the SWIP is expected to benefit 35 farmers. It has a 177-hectare watershed and an 18-hectare pond area.

The project was implemented under the DA’s Fiscal Year 2024 Locally Funded Project for the Development of Upland Irrigation Systems and Small Water Irrigation and Impounding Projects through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management.

Aside from irrigation, the facility also has potential for fish production. During the inauguration, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Kalinga facilitated the release of fish fingerlings into the impounding facility.