M’LANG, Cotabato Province (PIA) — The National Irrigation Administration vowed to continue to assist farmers by providing them with an efficient, effective, and sustainable irrigation system needed to support their farmlands.
Milbrend Anne Alburo, acting chief of system of the M’lang/Malasila River Irrigation System, during the NIA-IA-LGU-BLGU Day celebration, said that NIA is steadfast in serving its purpose of promoting inclusive growth and improvement of farmers’ quality of life.
“The NIA remains committed to provide a vital contribution to the socio-economic growth and agricultural development through the support of other line agencies,” Alburo emphasized.
As proof, she said NIA implements various programs under the MMRIS this year. One of which is the dam automation in M’lang with a fund worth P18 million. The automation is important, according to Alburo to maintain a constant flow of water that will fuel an efficient and effective irrigation system.
“For our long-term efforts to mitigate the effects of El Niño, we have rehabilitation for our watersheds,” Alburo said, adding that the five-year program has already started last year, to protect the watersheds and sustain sufficient water supply.
The acting chief of system also said that another project, the extension of the Malasila RIS has now begun. The extension aims to provide irrigation system to 50 hectares of newly generated area. The project, Alburo said has a total allocation of P20 million.
The MMRIS is composed of two national irrigation systems, the M’lang RIS, and the Malasila RIS, servicing over 7,000 hectares of farmlands in the two municipalities.
Also, it has seven irrigators associations, two from Tulunan and five from M’lang who make sure that the protection and preservation of water systems in the area are carried out. (PIA Cotabato Province)
