Negros Occidental Governor Bong Lacson led the turn over of irrigation projects, farm machineries and equipment to farmer associations, worth a total of P16.9 Million, in an activity held at the Municipality of La Castellana, today (Oct. 5).

Constructed and turned over to beneficiaries were the Camandag Diversion Dam in Brgy. Camandag, La Castellana (P1.9M); Cabia-an Diversion Dam in Brgy. Caduhaan, Candoni (P1.9M); Solo-on Diversion Dam in Brgy. Camindangan, Cauayan (P1.4M); and San Rafael Diversion Dam in Brgy. San Rafael, Hinobaan (P2.1M), with a total service area of 283 hectares.

The farm machineries and equipment given to farmers include 4WD tractor, combine harvester, granule applicator, ride-on transplanter, and mobile recirculating dryer; the farmers also received high value fruit trees seedlings and seeds of high value crops.

Gov. Lacson said that the projects are aimed at encouraging farm mechanization to help farmers increase their production and income.

Present in the activity were Mayor Rhumyla Nicor-Mangilimutan of La Castellana, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist OIC, Dr. Dina Genzola, local officials, and members and officers of the farmer-associations.