LAMUT, Ifugao(PIA) – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) recently turned over 17 completed communal and small irrigation systems to irrigators' associations in Ifugao in continuing efforts to increase the production of farmers, and to spare them from the effects of the El Niño phenomenon.
The irrigation systems are located in different municipalities, particularly eight in Asipulo, two each in Hingyon, and Mayoyao, and one each in Banaue, Hungduan, Aguinaldo, and Kiangan.
The projects will generate a total new area of 56.5 hectares, and restore and rehabilitate 204 hectares.
The irrigation systems will be operated and managed by the irrigators’ groups.
Bernardo Cadingan, president of the federation of irrigators' associations in Ifugao, thanked all stakeholders for the projects. He expressed hope for more projects for the benefit of farmers.
NIA is implementing 39 projects in the province this year.
Meanwhile, NIA has opened a satellite office building at Mabatobato in Lamut.
NIA Regional Manager Engineer Benito Espique, NIA Ifugao provincial head Patrick Resurreccion, and representatives of Ifugao irrigators’ associations led the inauguration of the three-storey building worth more than P33 million, on March 26.
Governor Jerry Dalipog, Vice Governor Glenn Prudenciano, Rep. Solomon Chungalao, Lamut Mayor Victomar Bunnol, and other officials joined the activity that started with a thanksgiving mass.
Espique thanked Chungalao for facilitating the allocation of funds for the building, and Ifugao officials for their unending support to their agency, contributing to the delivery of needed services to the people.
Chungalao said NIA has a very important role because water is a crucial input in agricultural production.
“I hope that you will do your jobs so that you will be able to justify that you deserve this satellite office. I hope that we will work together to achieve our vision,” Chungalo said.
He added that the satellite office is a “result of our documentation, negotiation, persuasion, and preparation. “
The local officials are optimistic that the new building, and the irrigation systems will boost the delivery of the needed programs and services especially to farmers to help achieve food sufficiency, and economic growth. (JDP/MBL-PIA CAR)
