NATION
Agri workers take over P80-M irrigation system
Rehabilitation work included improvements to the diversion dam, installation of new sluice and intake gates, canal lining, and construction of other supporting structures.
A farmers' association has taken over the management of the rehabilitated Pacalat Communal Irrigation System in Mangatarem, Pangasinan, following the completion of an P80-million project expected to improve water delivery to 600 hectares of farmland.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region I transferred the system to the Seven Barangays of Mangatarem Irrigators Association Inc. during a turnover ceremony in Barangay Pacalat on 5 November.
The project is expected to benefit 616 farmers in Pacalat, Malibong, Bunagan, Maravilla, Maravilla Arellano Extension, Calvo and Torre 1st.
Rehabilitation work included improvements to the diversion dam, installation of new sluice and intake gates, canal lining, and construction of other supporting structures.
NIA officials said more dependable irrigation would help farmers increase agricultural production and better manage climate-related risks, including the possible effects of El Niño.
NIA Administrator Eduardo “Eddie” Guillen said the agency was prioritizing irrigation facilities designed to withstand changing conditions.
Regional manager Geffrey B. Catulin emphasized that reliable water delivery was essential to improving harvests, while association president Virgilio Dancel Jr. welcomed the project as continued government support for the farming sector.