P52 million irrigation project launched in Iloilo

A P52 million irrigation project was recently launched in the Province of Iloilo.  This is the Aganan River Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project funded by the Government of Japan.

Hon. Katsuyoshi Ishii, First Secretary for Agriculture, Embassy of Japan, said that the Aganan River Irrigation System which has a service area of 4,863 hectares is one of the oldest systems in the country.

It was then known as the Aganan River Agricultural Development Project when it was rehabilitated by the Government of Japan in 1995-1996.  The major components of the rehabilitation were the  improvement of irrigation facilities, rehabilitation of canal structures, construction of post harvest facilities and procurement of equipment.
 
Mr. Ishii recalled that the Aganan River Agricultural Development Project has increased the viability and cropping intensity of the system and had also strengthened the Irrigators’ Association.

After about five years of rehabilitation activities, there occurred problems in operations and maintenance that affected performance of the system.  This prompted the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to propose for a second rehabilitation of the system which is the Aganan River Irrigation System Rehabilitation Project, with the Government of Japan.
 
The proposal was coursed through the national Agriculturist Fisheries Council (NAFC) and approved on June 30, 2005.  Mr. Ishii said that the implementation of this project would increase agricultural productivity and he is confident that this will strengthen the capability of the Irrigators’ Association, hence, improve the lives of the farmers.

NIA Administrator Mr. Proceso T. Domingo thanked the government of Japan, particularly the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for this project.  He said that this is indeed a reflection of friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and Japan.

NIA–6 OIC Regional Manager Engr. Felix M. Raso said that he would work hard to complete the project on time to meet its objectives of upgrading system’s efficiency for an increased farm production, farm income; providing clear irrigation water; instituting improvements of irrigation facilities and strengthening the Federation of Irrigators’ associations.

Meanwhile, Engr. Edilberto F. Lomigo, Irrigation Superintendent for Aganan-Sta. Barbara River Irrigation System, sid that the project will improve water supply in the area, especially during dry season.

Component of the project are Diversified Farming Services, Post Harvest Facilities Improvement, Agri Support Services for Palay Trading, Technical Water Management Support, Dam and Canal Improvement, Construction of Farm to Market Roads, and Support Equipment.  (NIA/PIA 6)