Gov't spends P1.3M for cloud seeding operation in Iloilo
Some P1.3 million was spent for the cloud seeding operation conducted in the town of Maasin and other municipalities in the province recently. As to date, the Department of Agriculture (DA) in collaboration with Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) already used 240 bags of sodium chloride or salt for 32 hours and 30 minutes of operation.
DA OIC Regional Technical Director Larry Nacionales reported to the Sangguniang Panlungsod that the cloud seeding operation was conducted for the period April 28 until May 13, 2007. The first cloud seeding operation was done in Maasin watershed and its vicinity.
In the first day of the operation, they have used 10 bags of salt for 1 hour and 29 minutes of operation. The same report was signed by Leilani G. Naga, seeding officer 1 of the BSWM. They have a targeted 50 hours for cloud seeding operation.
The cloud seeding operation was also made in the town of Lambunao and other adjacent municipalities, north and north-west portion of Iloilo; Passi City; east-north-east of Iloilo, Pototan, Janiuay, Cabatuan, north west and north east of watershed, Tubungan and Leon.
The cloud seeding operation was requested by Mayor Jerry Treñas after city residents suffered water shortage. Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) which supplies water to city residents gets it water from the Maasin watershed.