5 Ilocos Norte major irrigation systems to undergo rehab

By Leilanie G. Adriano

Staff Reporter

Finally, after a decade of waiting, Ilocos Norte farmers see a ray of hope of doubling or even tripling their source of income once a stable supply of water reaches their farmlands.

Ask every farmer what are their immediate concerns and they would always point to water—enough water to nurture their crops and ensure food security to their families on all-year round basis.

In Ilocos Norte, at least five national irrigation systems built in the 1980s covering the streams of Papa, Madongan, Labogaon, Cura and Solsona are waiting for a long-term repair and rehabilitation.

The effect of climate change, forest denudation and landslides among others had contributed to silted rivers and shallow irrigation systems, said Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Albert Chua, in his capacity as chairperson of the committee on agriculture.

Responding to farmers’ woes, a resolution was passed at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan requesting the Department of Agriculture through Secretary Proceso J. Alcala to send a team or to personally inspect the state of the five national irrigations systems here and allocate funds for their immediate rehabilitation.

According to Chua, there had been efforts by the national and local governments to repair water distribution canals here, including establishment of small water impounding projects but there is a need to conserve more water particularly in times of drought.

It may be recalled that it was only in 2010 when the government started to pour in rehabilitation funds for these irrigation systems with critical watershed areas and its old design may no longer be relevant for today’s extreme weather condition.

Early next year, the DA is expected to visit Ilocos Norte and come up with an action plan for its rehabilitation project.

Prior to the passage of the resolution, an initial talk between the provincial government and the DA was held in Batac City at a farmers’ forum where Ilocos Norte Gov. Ma. Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos reiterated the need for the urgent repair and rehabilitation of this province’s major irrigation systems, the lifeblood of farmers.

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