By PR | 04:23 PM October 07, 2023
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Central Visayas officially handed over three irrigation projects with a combined investment of P11.6 million to farmers in Sevilla, Bohol on September 28, 2023, at Barangay Calinginan Sur.
These irrigation projects are set to revolutionize farming practices and support the livelihoods of 54 farmer beneficiaries watering a total of 24 hectares across three barangays: Bayawahan, Magsaysay, and Kanlakaw, all within the thriving Municipality of Sevilla, Bohol.
Key Features of the Irrigation Projects:
Ka Minte Bayawahan Small Irrigation Project (SIP): With a budget of P4 million, this project focuses on enhancing the irrigation system in Barangay Bayawahan. It is poised to irrigate 8 hectares of rice fields, benefiting 16 farmer beneficiaries.
Kanlakaw-Lagtangan SIP: Valued at P4 million, this project covers improvements in the irrigation system of Barangay Kanlakaw. It will provide water to 8 hectares of rice fields, supporting 18 farmer beneficiaries.
Pangaonan-Magsasay SIP: The most number of farmer beneficiaries among the three, this project directly benefit 22 farmer beneficiaries by serving 8 hectares of rice fields in Barangay Magsaysay. It
has a budget of P4 million.
NIA RVII- Bohol-Cebu-Siquijor Irrigation Management Office (BCSIMO) represented by the Project-in-Charge Engr. Cornelio M. Belnas and Engr. Marvin T. Estoque turned over a symbolic key to the beneficiaries.
The benefitting Irrigators’ Associations (IA) who have long awaited reliable irrigation: the Pangaonan Little Rice Terraces IA Inc., Kanlakaw IA Inc, and Agapuko IA Inc. gratefully accepted the irrigation projects along with the responsibility for its Operation and Maintenance.
NIA Irrigators Development Officer (IDO), Agricultural Engr. Hernel R. Ruiz, explained why the symbolic key were passed on from NIA to the Municipal Mayor to the Barangay Captains and to the IA who will benefit from the projects completed.
“Kini nagpakita gyud sa panahon nga gikan sa pagmugna sa plano, hangtud sa pag-implementar sa maong mga proyekto diri sa lungsod sa Sevilla—gikan sa proposed list of projects sa NIA to the presentation sa Bohol Province– nga ila ning gisuportahan hangtod sa pag-aprobar sa kongreso sa budget ug pagsupportar pud sa atong mayor nga naglantaw sa panginahanglanon sa iyang mga katawhan, labi na ang mga mag-uuma diri sa Lungsod sa Sevilla hangtod sa mga barangay captains and officials nga niduyog ug supporta sa implementation sa proyekto. Kani mahimong mabungahon ug magamit na gyud sa mga mag-uuma ug dili na gyud maglisud sa pagpatubig ug mas mudako pa ang ilang produksyon, ” IDO Ruiz explained.
These irrigation projects align with the government’s commitment to uplifting the lives of farmers and ensuring food security in the region. They will not only increase crop yields but also reduce the vulnerability of farmers to unpredictable weather patterns, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector.
At the ceremony, Sevilla Municipal Mayor Juliet Dano, barangay officials, and enthusiastic farmers expressed their gratitude to the NIA and the government for their unwavering support in advancing agricultural practices in Sevilla.
The successful completion and turnover of these irrigation projects represent a significant step towards Sevilla’s agricultural self-sufficiency and sustainable growth. With a newfound source of water, the local farming community is poised to thrive, ensuring a steady supply of rice and prosperity for years to come.
