DA accelerates irrigation projects
THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is ramping up its irrigation efforts through the construction of several water-related projects across the country this year.
Amounting to P10.2 million, two diversion dams were officially launched by DA Regional Field Office (RFO) 9 to the beneficiaries of the Small Water Irrigation System Association (Swisa) in Barangay Sicade and Gawil in Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur.
The Sicade Swisa has been granted access to the finished Sicade Diversion Dam Project, which was funded under the DA’s rice program with a total cost of P5.8 million.
On the other hand, the Gawil Swisa expressed appreciation for the P4.4-million rehabilitation of the Gawil Irrigation Project that was funded by the DA Quick Response Fund.
According to the DA, these initiatives aim to improve irrigation efficiency, empower the community to maximize their rice production capabilities and enhance the resilience of the farming community.
“The impact of these projects extends beyond infrastructure, significantly benefiting farmers in Barangay Gawil and Sicade. The projects are designed to ease and accelerate their livelihoods, providing a substantial boost to their income,” said DA RFO 9.
Kumalarang Mayor Ruel Molina emphasized that the projects will boost rice production in their municipality.
“As Kumalarang anticipates a boost in rice production, these projects not only signify infrastructural progress but also pave the way for a more resilient and sustainable future for the local farming community,” said DA RFO 9.
In Bulacan, rehabilitation of the Bustos Dam is being done through the private sector. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), meanwhile, said that this project will ensure efficient irrigation supply.
Replacement of rubber gates in seven pier measuring 79 meters each laid above a concrete ogee dam measuring at 76.9 meter each pier.
According to the NIA, this initiative is expected to support 23,708 farmers and provide irrigation to 31,485 hectares of agricultural land across 16 municipalities in Bulacan and four municipalities in Pampanga.
A new Rubber Gate 5 was also installed in the same dam. The replacement, carried out by the ITP Construction Inc.-Guangxi Hydroelectric Construction Bureau Co. Ltd. Consortium (contractor), incurred no cost for the NIA.
According to the DA, the country has around 3.13 million hectares of total irrigable area nationwide, and about 1.2 million hectares remains unirrigated.