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DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Engr. Eddie Guillen led the NIA Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Systems (UPRIIS) Harvest Festival for Double Dry Crop 2025 in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija, on August 12.
A ceremonial palay harvest was held on the 5.7-hectare farm of Arsenio Mallare in Barangay Talipapa, symbolizing the success of the Masagana Rice Industry Development Program (MRIDP). The program supported 76,075 hectares for double-dry cropping in the UPRIIS area — exceeding its target by 14,090 hectares.
PRODUCTIVITY FESTIVAL DA and NIA representatives joined farmers at the UPRIIS Harvest Festival for Double Dry Crop 2025. PHOTO FROM NIA
“This harvest is the result of collective commitment, hard work, and belief that Filipino farmers can lead our journey to food security,” said Laurel.
Guillen lauded farmers’ perseverance, urging them to “continue planting hope, watering dreams, and harvesting success.”
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The festival follows a record first-half palay output of 9.08 million metric tons, putting DA on track for a historic 20.46 million metric tons by year-end. Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan credited favorable weather and government support for the sector’s 7 percent Q2 growth.
Through coordinated efforts, farmers received free seeds, fertilizer, mechanization support, and market access — advancing the goal of higher productivity, better incomes, and a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.
