Sixteen diesel-powered water pumps were distributed to various Irrigators Associations (IAs) across the province to help farmers prepare for the anticipated impacts of the El Niño phenomenon.

The turnover, led by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), was held at the NIA-Ilocos Norte Irrigation Management Office (NIA-INIMO) Covered Court in Barangay 20, San Pablo, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, as part of the agency's El Niño Adaptation and Mitigation Program.

According to the NIA, the water pumps will serve as supplemental irrigation facilities for agricultural areas expected to experience water shortages due to reduced rainfall associated with the forecast strong El Niño.

The agency said the initiative is intended to enhance the capability of Irrigators Associations to efficiently manage available water resources, reduce potential crop losses, and safeguard the livelihoods of farmers during prolonged dry weather.