Benguet farmers to benefit on newly turnover 11 irrigation systems

November 27, 2021 Provincial

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Food security efforts of the government has been demonstrated anew with the recent mass distribution of P35-M worth of 11 irrigation systems to various irrigators’ associations in the province by the National Irrigation Administration -Cordillera (NIA-CAR).
These irrigation projects sourced through the NIA-CAR allocation in 2019-2020-2021, covers a service area of 264 hectares and will benefit more than 300 farmers. NIA Administrator (Gen.) Ricardo R.Visaya , NIA_CAR Regional Manager Engr. Benito Espique, Jr. and NIA Benguet Manager Godofredo Velaque led other officials of the agency during the simple turnover rites of said irrigation projects.
“Itong mga naiturnover sa inyo na irrigation systems, alagaan ninyo kasi para sa inyo yan. Please do do it in the proper way,” said Visaya to the Irrigators’ Associations, based from a NIA-CAR release.
“Strengthen your leadership, cooperation, and work together for the betterment of irrigation systems in your areas,” Visaya stressed.
These irrigation systems include Cabutotan Communal Irrigation System (CIS) in Madaymen, Kibungan which was turned over to Cabutotan Irrigators Association, Inc.; Cotop Pinanchay CIS in Bashoy, Kabayan which was turned over to Bashoy Indigenous Peoples Farmers Communal Irrigators Association, Inc.; Jappa-Minak-Conet Small Irrigation Project (SIP) in Shilan, La Trinidad which was turned over to Shilan Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc.; and, Kapangan Central CIS in Central, Kapangan which was turned over to Salat Kabelbelan Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. The Mambolo- Tinongdan SIP in Tinongdan, Itogon was turned over to Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization; Gasal Amsilweng CIS in Masala, Kibungan was turned over to Planterms Farmers Association, Inc.; Sapid CIS in Sapid, Mankayan was turned over to Sapid Irrigators and Farmers Association, Inc.; Taba-ao CIS in Taba-ao, Kapangan was turned over to ABUDICK Irrigators Association, Inc.; Shalongen Creek-Dalabi SIP in Twin Peaks, Tuba was turned over to Dalabi, Alogan, Soyosoy Irrigators Farmers Association, Inc.; Umesbeg Caucalan CIS in Taloy Sur, Tuba was turned over to Inunas Toyong Shontog Irrigators Association, Inc.; and, Taloy Sur CIP in Taloy Sur, Tuba was turned over to Taloy Sur IA. “Aywanan mi daytoy project nga nai-turnover kanyami.
Sapay kuma ta agtuloy tuloy daytoy nga bonding tayo, NIA, IA ken LGU,” said Brian Ducat, president of Taloy Sur IA. The Taloy Sur CIP was funded under NIA’s Balikatan Sagip Patubig Program (BSPP) with counterpart funding from the Municipal Local Government of Tuba.
“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa mga irrigation projects ng NIA sa probinsya ng Benguet at sana po tuloytuloy ang proyekto ng NIA despite the devolution,” said Benguet Vice-Governor Johnny Waguis, who led other Benguet officials in the activity.
Other Benguet officials who witnessed the turnover include – Itogon Mayor Victorio Palangdan, Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan, Kibungan Mayor Cesar Molitas, various councilors, barangay chairpersons and leaders of Benguet Irrigators’ Associations as well as Hon. Remy Albano, president of CAR Federation of IA and National Confederation of IA.
Also in attendance during the activity are NIA Senior Deputy Administrator Romeo Lopez, Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Freddie Toquero, PAIS Manager Eden Victoria Selva and NIA employees.
Primo Agatep/NIA-CAR PIO