Follow cropping calendar, Bulacan, Pampanga farmers told

MALOLOS, Philippines — Rice farmers in Bulacan and Pampanga have been asked to strictly follow the approved cropping calendar set by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).

The NIA said late rice crop planters are not assured of adequate irrigation supply.

Josephine Salazar, NIA-Central Luzon director, said the National Water Resources Board has given the green light to program all irrigated rice fields being serviced by the Angat-Maasim River Irrigation System.

Francisco Clara, officer-in-charge of the water control and coordinating unit of Bustos Dam, said there are 26,791 hectares of rice fields being serviced by NIA in Bulacan and Pampanga.

These are in Bustos, Plaridel, Pandi, Bocaue, Guiguinto, Balagtas, Bulakan, Malolos, Calumpit and Hagonoy, which comprise the south zone. The north zone service areas are Pulilan, Baliwag, part of Calumpit and San Rafael in Bulacan and San Simon, San Luis, Candaba and Apalit in Pampanga.