ENGR. ANTONIO S. NANGEL, Administrator of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) went on sorties in Mindanao during the period March 16-18, 2011, specifically in Misamis Oriental and Occidental to attend to various events related to irrigation development.

Administrator Nangel visited ALISA Irrigators Association in Alupijid, Misamis Oriental where the farmers demonstrated how they make organic fertilizer out of banana peels, rice stalks and other materials. They also produce Indigenous Micro Organism which they mix to hasten decay/decomposition of materials. The organic fertilizers are used by the farmers thus reducing use of chemical fertilizers: in turn, reducing their farming expenses, increasing their yield and eventually income. The farmers said that organic fertilizer enabled them to harvest 100-120 cavans per hectare. Incidentally, the ALISA Irrigators Association has been a consistent awardee as Most Outstanding IA not only in Region 10 but also a runner-up in the national category. Mayor Giovanni Labis expressed his gratitude for the support NIA is giving to his constituents. In turn, Mayor Labis committed to share in the cost for air drier, which the IA requested from NIA. Administrator Nangel said the ALISA IA can be a model to other IAs nationwide.