The Department of Agriculture is fasttracking the rehabilitation and repair of national and communal irrigation systems in preparation for the rice planting season.

In a DA report this week, Secretary Domingo Panganiban said that the Department of Budget and Management has released P1.96 billion out of P3.23 billion budget for the irrigation program for 2005.

A total of 21,703 hectares have restored irrigated water, the report of the National Irrigation Administration said, and the program is aimed at reaching the 90,000 hectares target national rice production for 2006.

NFA starts distribution
of iron-fortified rice

The National Food Authority will distribute iron-fortified rice to all Bigasang Bayan outlets in Negros Occidental beginning this week, the NFA said in a press release.

Provincial Manager Gil Ibarra said that they will release 38,000 bags of iron-fortified rice this year, 15,000 bags of which will be shipped to the province next week.

It will be sold at P16.50 per kilo to Bigasang Bayan/retail outlets and P18 per kilo to consumers, the press release said. Ibarra said this is part of the implementation of the Republic Act 8976 or the Philippine Food Fortification Act 2000 that provides for mandatory fortification of rice and other staples like sugar, cooking oil and flour with Vitamin A and Iron.

BACIWA sets water disruption

The Bacolod City Water District announced yesterday that low water pressure to no water supply will be experienced in portions of its service area due to the breakdown of Well No.9 at Loygoy area.

Affected areas are: Patria Homes, Jesusa Heights, Villa Villeta, Villa Angeles, Sunshine Valley, Capitol Hills, Greensville I, II and III, Villa Angela, Helvetia Heights, Capitol Heights, PHHC, and Villamonte.

BACIWA said that estimated activation of Well No. 9 is March 27, and water supply is expected to normalize by then.*

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