NIA set to start repairs of irrigation systems

MANILA, Philippines - The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has set for in January the full repair of damaged irrigation facilities in areas ravaged by Typhoon Pablo to prevent disruptions in the cropping calendar.

NIA administrator Antonio Nangel said based on the latest assessment conducted by the agency and the Department of Agriculture (DA), Typhoon Pablo inflicted serious damage on irrigation facilities in Campostella Valley, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Bukidnon.

Most of the affected irrigated areas are lands devoted to the cultivation of rice, corn and bananas.

There are apprehensions that amid the country’s push for rice sufficiency and exportation in 2013, palay output in the first  quarter of the year will fall year-on-year because of delays in dry cropping.  

Nangel said remedial measures are being conducted to mitigate the ill effects of damage to irrigation facilitites.

The extent of damage to both Level 1 and Level 2 irrigation facilities in areas affected by Typhoon Pablo is currently placed at P1.5 billion, covering irrigated areas of 4,700 hectares. Areas covered by the Patutu River irrigation System in Campostela Valley alone comprises 2,600 hectares.

He said validation of damage is still ongoing. The final report on damages would be completed by Dec. 26 for submission to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC).This would then be forwarded to the Office of the President for approval and then to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)for the release of funds needed to finance the repairs.

NIA estimates that P1 billion is needed for the rehabilitation of irrigation facilitties classified as Level 1, or those needing immediate restoration. These are located  mostly in Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.

“We need to immediately start repairs of our irrigation facilitites, otherwise, the cropping calendar of farmers will be delayed, so will the harvest,” said Nangel, adding,  “We hope we would be able to start by January to sustain the survival of existing crops.”

It would take about three months to fully rehabilitate Level 1 facilities. 

Nangel said repairs to Level 2 irrigation facilities, or those that are still functional and do not need immediate rehabilitation would also be carried out in 2013. He said there is already an allotted budget for repairs of Level 2 irrigation facilities in the 2013 budget of NIA.