APAYAO, Philippines — Various Irrigators Associations (IAs) under the West Apayao-Abulug Irrigation System (WAAIS) are gearing up for the Gulayamanan sa Patubigan initiative by clearing canal embankments and planting them with a variety of short-term vegetables and medicinal plants.

Participating IAs include the Shalom Cabatacan Farmers Irrigators Association (FIA) of Luna, Apayao; Samahang Nayon ng Apayao FIA (SANAFIA) of Pudtol, Apayao; and Timpuyog ti Simayung IA of Abulug, Cagayan.

IA members planted a wide range of crops, including bitter gourd, sponge gourd, string beans, bottle gourd, pechay, taro, Malabar spinach, okra, eggplant, tomato, papaya, jute mallow, squash, and chili. Medicinal plants such as oregano and serpentina were also planted. These activities were carried out alongside the clearing and maintenance of areas surrounding irrigation canal facilities.

Through Gulayamanan sa Patubigan, IAs maximize available spaces along irrigation canals for vegetable and medicinal plant production. Beyond promoting food production, the initiative encourages IA members to actively participate in the upkeep of irrigation facilities and maximize productive spaces within the irrigation service area.

The initiative highlights how irrigation canals can serve not only as vital infrastructure for agricultural production but also as spaces that can contribute to food security, environmental stewardship, and stronger community participation among irrigators.