KOICA funds irrigation projects in Bukidnon, Isabela

MANILA, Philippines - Construction work on two small reservoir irrigation projects (SRIP) is set to start soon following the signing of the records of discussion by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Department of Agriculture and the provincial governments of Isabela and Bukidnon. 

The project – Adapting to Climate Change Impacts through the Construction of Water Impounding Facilities in the Philippines – is being financed by a grant from Korea. 

The document was signed by Undersecretary for Special Concerns Bernadette Romulo-Puyat for the DA, resident representative Jinoh Kim for KOICA, Gov. Alex P. Calingasan for Bukidnon, and board member Cesar Purugganan, representing Gov. Faustino D. G. Dy, III for Isabela. Witnessing the signing are NIA Administrator Antonio S. Nangel, SRIP project manager Eleuterio C. Luz, NIA Region X regional manager Julius S. Maquiling, and other officials from DA, NIA, KOICA, provinces of Isabela and Bukidnon.

In her message, Romulo-Puyat acknowledged the assistance extended by Korea and said the DA will extend all the support to make the projects successful.

She said in her recent visit to Korea, she had known that the Philippines was the eigth country to give help to Korea during the second World War. Curiosity prompted her to ask some Korean officials why Korea is very generous to the Philippines. The answer was, when Korea was in dire need of help, the Philippines was there. Puyat, said that with these projects, the Koreans are here when the Philippines is in need.

Kim reiterated his government’s firm commitment to uplift the lives of the Filipino people and through KOICA, it will further strengthen the two government’s partnership in rural development. He said climate change will continue to exist and this not only concerns Korea but all nations. These projects will help mitigate climate change.

Calingasan said he welcomes the project in his province and pledged to support its successful implementation.

Purugganan also expressed his thanks and guarantees assistance to the Korean project through the adoption of friendly local laws and peaceful environment.

During the signing ceremony, Nangel expressed his appreciation for the projects as completion of these projects is very crucial in our government’s goal of rice self-sufficiency in three years time. 

He also presented the measures the NIA is undertaking in adapting to climate change through various farming technology such as Quick Turn Around, Ratooning and Alternate Wet and Dry Method of irrigation. 

Construction, restoration and rehabilitation of existing irrigation facilities are also on top priority as mitigating measures to climate change.

Pasa SRIP is located in Ilagan, Isabela with an area of 800 ha and will benefit 559 farmers covering barangays Pasa, Minabang, Morado, Sta. Victoria, and Fuyo, all in the Municipality of Ilagan. On the other hand, Kulaman SRIP is located in Maramag, Bukidnon with an area of about 1,200 ha and will benefit 95 farmers covering barangays Dologon and Lumbo in Maramag.

These projects will be implemented by NIA through the SRIPProject Management Office headed by Eleuterio C. Luz.