PGMA to inspect irrigation projects in Northern Mindanao

BUTUAN CITY, Nov. 9 (PNA) –- In an effort to sustain food production and food security in Southern Philippines, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is expected to inspect irrigation projects in the island, particularly in Northern Mindanao on today.

The Chief Executive will speak before the officers and members of the Lanao del Norte Federation Irrigators Association (LDNFIA) in Maranding, Lala, Lanao del Norte. The association is celebrating its fifth anniversary celebration on that same day, it was learned.

Top officials of Lanao del Norte led by Gov. Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo will accompany the Chief Executive in her visit in Maranding.

It was gathered that this year, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Northern Mindanao have implemented a total of 137 irrigation projects worth P314-million involving an area of 13,426 hectares that includes the development of new physical targets involving 72 hectares, rehabilitation of 10,394 hectares and restoration of 2,960 hectares.

Funding for 90 of these projects worth P224-million are sourced from the P6-billion quick response fund (QRF) while 27 projects worth P55-million are sourced from the P2- billion National Development Corporation (NDC)-5 Fund and 20 others worth P35-million are sourced from the P1.65- billion Restoration Fund (RF), the Philippine Information Agency in Northern Mindanao disclosed.

Northern Mindanao NIA Officer-In-Charge Engr. Bernardo Mercado also said it is from the RF that the following projects are implemented under the Super Regions concept of the President.

These projects are the Bubunawan River Irrigation Project (RIP) II in Baungon, Bukidnon, involving 1,000 hectares with a project cost of P287.94-million, Talakag RIP, also in Bukidnon, 2,500 has., P450-million, Balingasag RIP in Misamis Oriental, 2,500 has., P450 million and Tangub Small RIP in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, 608 has., P430-million.

Northern Mindanao has a potential irrigable area of 122,423 hectares. However, it was also gathered that only 45.66% or 55,902 hectares are developed, leaving out 66,521 hectares still open for development as of last month.

Of the developed area, 28,600 hectares have been serviced by the national irrigation system, 17,746 hectares by the communal irrigation system, 4,060 hectares by other government agencies and 5,496 hectares by the private sector, it was also gathered.

However, data obtained from NIA in Northern Mindanao showed that the actual irrigated area during the dry season is only 30,218 hectares and 29,413.00 hectares on wet season.