TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The National Irrigation Administration recently turned over one solar pump and five communal irrigation systems (CIS) projects to beneficiaries in the Upper Tabuk region.
NIA-Cordillera Manager Engr. Benito Espique Jr. with Kalinga Rep. Allen Jesse Mangaoang led the turnover of the Nayud Balani SPIP, Dolgadog CIS, Coddog Naneng CIS, Kobol Kodog Kobait CIS, Cantong CIS, and Gawidan CIS, with total project cost of P9.14 million and to supply water to 46 hectares of total service area.
The projects were accepted by Pinagan Dolgadog Irrigators Association (IA) president Paulino Taguibao; Barangay Naneng IA president Jesse Amla, and Gapang Calangacong IA president Macario Pataray.
Espique urged the IAs to maintain the facilities as these will uplift their economic situation as farmers.
“NIA is always supportive of your plight,” he told farmer-beneficiaries. “It is now your obligation to maintain them and engage more in production for a living.”
Mangaoang also urged the farmers to maximize the use of the facilities.
“Look for other add-ons to maximize the use of irrigation facilities. Invest in other income-generating projects,” he said.
“Now that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an increase in palay-buying price, remedy how to maintain these projects in order to have a year-round cropping,” he said.
He asked the NIA to provide more irrigation projects to areas not served by the Upper Chico River Irrigation System to contribute to food security.
He said Kalinga is receiving huge allocations from NIA’s budget through his initiative.
The ceremony was also witnessed by barangay officials, Board Member Glenn Amla representing Gov. James Edduba, and Oliver Gacuya representing Mayor Darwin Estrañero.
Meanwhile, Espique directed the Kalinga Irrigation Management Office to fast-track implementation of 2023 projects until December.
KIMO reported 72 percent physical accomplishment as of September. – Peter A. Balocnit
