By Kenneth Marcos 
Farmers, agri-agencies unite in Iloilo to push for smarter water use and higher harvests
Amid colorful festival dances and strong calls for unity, farmers and government officials in Western Visayas came together to strengthen efforts for more productive and climate-ready agriculture. From September 29 to October 3, 2025, over 75 participants gathered in Jaro, Iloilo City for the Regional and Provincial SWISA Reorganizational Meeting and Cropping Pattern and Calendar Tool Training.
The activity aimed to reinforce the capacity of Small Water Irrigation System Associations (SWISAs) in the region and equip them with tools to better plan planting schedules, manage irrigation, and increase farmers’ yields.
Farmers and representatives from the provinces of Aklan, Iloilo, Capiz, Antique, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental joined the event, along with officials from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), and several national agencies including the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), Agricultural Credit Policy Council (ACPC), and the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office VI (DA-RFO VI).
The highlight of the week-long activity was the oath-taking of the newly elected officers of the Capiz-Iloilo-Guimaras-Aklan-Negros Occidental-Antique SWISA Federation (CIGANA SWISA), Inc., led by Engr. Diosdado M. Manalus, head of the Water Resources Management Division of BSWM.
Their election marks a new chapter for farmer-leaders tasked with improving water systems, increasing crop productivity, and strengthening the connection between farmers and government programs.
The training focused on the use of the Cropping Pattern and Calendar (CPC) Tool, a digital guide that helps farmers determine the best time to plant based on soil conditions, water availability, and weather. This tool is seen as vital in ensuring efficient use of irrigation and maximizing harvests, especially in areas vulnerable to drought or excessive rainfall.
Also emphasized was the importance of soil health testing and balanced fertilization strategies, helping farmers reduce costs and avoid long-term damage to farmlands.
Speakers from PCIC and ACPC also discussed crop insurance and credit access, reminding farmers that there are programs in place to protect their livelihoods from natural disasters and provide funding for farm improvements.
Government agencies present reaffirmed their support for SWISAs, recognizing them as essential partners in reaching grassroots farmers and making agricultural interventions more effective.
Cultural presentations added a vibrant and unifying spirit to the event, with groups from each province showcasing their heritage:
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Aklan SWISA, Inc. – Ati-Atihan Festival
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Negros Occidental SWISA, Inc. – Masskara Festival
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Capiz SWISA, Inc. – Capiztahan Festival
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Iloilo SWISA, Inc. – Hala Bira Iloilo
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Guimaras SWISA, Inc. – Mango Festival
Through these shared efforts and renewed leadership, CIGANA SWISA, Inc. reaffirms its role as a reliable partner of the government in building a stronger and more resilient agriculture sector in Western Visayas.
As the country faces climate challenges and rising food demand, farmer-led organizations like SWISA are now more important than ever—guiding the way to a masaganang ani, matatag na kabuhayan, at maunlad na komunidad.
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