NAGTIPUNAN, Quirino (PIA) -- National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Acting Administrator, Engr. Eduardo Eddie G. Guillen recently led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lusod Integration National Irrigation Project (LINIP) at Barangay Dipantan here.

The LINIP which costs P800 million includes the construction of diversion intake and irrigation canals in a service area of 1,046 hectares and will benefit 685 farmers from barangays Dipintin, Diduyon, Buenavista, Lusod, Villa Hermosa Norte, Villa Hermosa Sur, Poblacion Norte and Poblacion Sur of Maddela.

In his message, Guillen assured that the project which is supposed to be implemented in three years, 2023 to 2026, will be completed in two years through the leadership of NIA 2 Manager, Engr. Raymundo Apil.

Guillen said one of his priorities as acting administrator is to create ways and opportunities to increase the yields of farmers starting from planting process up to the dining table of the consumers, adding that as a former mayor, he had studied the whole value chain of agriculture especially on rice production.

The NIA chief added he saw the sincerity of Pres. Marcos in improving the lives of farmers by looking for some ways to increase not only the productivity but also the yields of farmers.

“Our focus at the NIA is not only on the construction of irrigation facilities but also on how to help farmers capture the value added in the whole value chain of rice production,” Guillen said.

Guillen had sought the support of the local government unit leaders, farmers and other stakeholders saying that they have big roles to play for the successful implementation of NIA projects.

Lusod INIP Irrigator’s Association Federation of Irrigator’s Association President Rogelio B Duldulao thanked Congresswoman Midy Cua, Governor Cua and the NIA for the irrigation project.

“We are here to witness the groundbreaking which signals the start of the project that we have been looking forward to for a long time. It’s a dream come true for all of us for we will no longer worry about our harvest during drought season,” Duldulao said, adding that they are relying on rainfall for water.

For his part, Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua thanked Acting Administrator Guillen for the gift from NIA, for single-handedly pushing for the realization of the project which was once a dream and now a reality.

“To our farmer-beneficiaries, this project is one of the steps towards our dream of a more progressive life here in our province. Let us all be grateful for this gift from NIA through our President,” Cua said.

Meanwhile, in a press release issued by the NIA Cagayan Valley, it was stated that the Lusod INIP which is regarded as big-ticket initiative, is poised to revolutionize agricultural practices in Quirino Province.

“Truly, the groundbreaking ceremony was not just a ceremonial act but a tangible symbol of collaboration and dedication from key stakeholders,” it was stated.

The groundbreaking ceremony was witnessed by NIA national and regional officials, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, some national government agencies, representatives from Maddela and Nagtipunan LGUs, Irrigator’s Associations, NIA Quirino officials  and other provincial and municipal officials.(TCB/PIA Quirino)