Cloud seeding operation in Iloilo to commence this week
In response to the directive of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWS), is expected to start with the cloud seeding operation anytime this week.
This was confirmed by DA OIC-Regional Executive Director Larry Nacionales who accompanied the team from Metro Manila last week that conducted a validation on the viability of cloud seeding operation in Iloilo.
The team composed of representatives from the Bureau of Soils and Water Management made a study of the cloud formation and its impact on standing root crops that might be affected by the cloud seeding.
The validation was made starting Thursday until Saturday last week.
During the validation Nacionales said they have found out that the available cloud formation here is capable in supporting the cloud seeding.
It was also agreed that the operation would be focused only on the watershed area in Maasin town.
The team visited the watershed area and discovered that the water level at the Maasin Dam is very low. The low water level resulted to scarcity of water supply in Iloilo City and seven other municipalities. The Metro Iloilo Water District sources about three-fourths of its water supply from the Maasin Dam.
Likewise, the farmers are also in need of rain for their land preparation. He added that there are dry seeded areas for rice and corn, which will surely germinate if it rains.
Nacionales said a four-seater plane that can load up to 500 kilos of salt in just one flight is presently available to accommodate the operation.
If all concerns will be finalized, the cloud seeding operation could start either Tuesday or Wednesday this week. The operation that will take about two weeks will be supervised by a Technical Assistant from the Bureau of Spoils and Management.
He said that initially, the regional office of the DA is ready to provide financial assistance to the operation and will be reimbursed by the central office later.
The two-week operation is estimated to cost the government some P1 million.