VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) – More than 60 farmers and their families are expected to benefit from a new irrigation system that was rolled out by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in this island province last week, just as the El Niño phenomenon is expected to intensify next month.
The communal irrigation project, worth P25 million, was officially handed over to the Timbaan Irrigators Association Inc. in Barangay Timbaan, San Andres town, on November 23, which would provide irrigation service to 54 hectares of farmland.
PIA5/Catanduanes: Officials of National Irrigation Administration in the Bicol region and Department of Agrarian Reform turn over a P25-million irrigation system to representatives of Tibolisay Irrigators Association, Inc. on November 23, 2023 at Barangay Timbaan, San Andres. (EABagadiong)
Nerisa B. Aldea, agrarian reform program officer for Catanduanes, said the project, which was financed by the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program fund for isolated areas, would cover the villages of Timbaan, Bonot, and Lictin.
During the turnover ceremony, NIA Regional Manager Gaudencio M. Devera said the project was part of the agency’s responsibility to provide reliable irrigation projects to farmers in support of the national government’s sustainable development goals.
Congressman Eulogio R. Rodriguez of the lone district of Catanduanes commended NIA’s efforts in delivering crucial irrigation projects to the island province, saying communal irrigation systems are vital in enhancing agricultural yields and improving the lives of farmer-beneficiaries.
PIA5/Catanduanes: National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Regional Manager Engr. Dennis De Vera (2nd, right) grace the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the turnover of P25 million worth of communal irrigation projectto Tibolisay Irrigators Association, Inc. (EABagadiong
Rodriguez appealed to the irrigators’ association to take responsibility for the project.
Rogelio V. Bruce, the leader of the Tibolisay Irrigators’ Association, thanked President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III, and the management of the NIA in Bicol.
Bruce also expressed optimism that more projects and programs will be introduced to their area, saying the villagers trust the sincerity of the Marcos administration in alleviating the country’s geographically isolated villages. (PIA 5/Catanduanes)
