NIA turns over nine irrigation projects to farmers in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — As a countermeasure against the threat of the looming El Niño and other climate-related challenges, nine irrigation projects were turned over to ten Irrigators’ Associations (IAs) in Cebu by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Cebu Irrigation Management Office.

Leading the ceremonial turnover were NIA Region VII Regional Manager Engr. Eusebio S. Villamanto and Bohol-Cebu-Siquijor Irrigation Management Office (BCSIMO) Division Manager Engr. Maritez I. Soria, together with representatives from local government units, partner agencies, and farmer-beneficiaries.

The projects are also expected to reinforce the government’s efforts to ensure food security.

In his message, Villamanto echoed the importance of shared responsibility in the operation and maintenance of irrigation facilities.

“Officially, kasangga ko na kayo, we have a shared management. Pabago-bago na ang panahon, kaya ang hiling ko na sana muling pag-igihin at mahalin ang mga bago at rehabilitated na irrigation system,” he said.

The event was also attended by Cebu Province Consultant on Food Security and Livelihood Engr. Grecilda “Gigi” Sanchez, Investment Promotions Officer Paulo R. Uy, and representatives from partner agencies and local government units.

According to NIA, the participation of various stakeholders highlighted the agency’s continuing efforts to promote a whole-of-government approach to supporting farmers and providing them with access to various government programs and assistance.

The projects turned over included the Taytay Communal Irrigation System (CIS) in Badian, Bay-ang CIS in Cebu City, Can-asujan Small Reservoir Irrigation System in Carcar City, Aloguinsan CIS in Aloguinsan, Argao CIS in Argao, Hingatmonan CIS in Balamban, Lamak Punod Sibogo CIS in Pinamungajan, Manunggal CIS in Balamban, and Matun-og CIS in Balamban.

These facilities were awarded to ten irrigators’ associations, namely Poblacion Banhigan Taytay United IA, Inc., Samburio IA, Inc., Carcar Integrated Rice IA, Inc., Carcar United Lowland Farmers IA, Inc., Poblacion Tampaan Communal IA, Inc., Argao Irrigation System Association, Inc., Hingatmonan IA, Inc., Lamac Punod Sibago IA, Inc., Manunggal Communal IA, Inc., and Matun-og Spring IA, Inc.

NIA said the turnover process, which involves the agency, local government units, and irrigators’ associations, emphasizes shared responsibility and accountability in managing irrigation facilities.

It added that improved water distribution and efficient resource management are expected to help farmers sustain agricultural production, increase crop yields, and secure their livelihoods.

NIA further said that the initiative forms part of the government’s continuing efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of El Niño and strengthen the agriculture sector’s capacity to withstand prolonged dry spells and erratic weather conditions.

By empowering irrigators’ associations and promoting participatory irrigation management, NIA further said that farming communities are expected to better manage water resources, protect harvests, and contribute to maintaining a stable food supply. — (IHM) (FREEMAN)