PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on concerned government agencies to expedite the completion of water-related projects by April 2024 in order to prepare for the potential impact of the El Niño phenomenon. Speaking during the inauguration of the Balbalungao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (BSRIP) in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, Marcos directed the Department of Agriculture and its attached agency, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), to prioritize the timely accomplishment of these projects.
“We must be prepared to counter the effects of El Niño, which may persist until the second quarter of 2024. Therefore, I once again remind the DA and the NIA to swiftly complete the construction of irrigation facilities and other supporting structures based on the needs of our farmers,” emphasized Marcos.
The President emphasized the urgency of completing all irrigation and related projects within a four-month deadline, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring sufficient water supply before the end of April next year.
“I am considering the projects we will undertake. We have four months to complete everything and make them operational because of the deadline I have set for our departments. I have told them to think about what we can accomplish,” added Marcos.
Marcos further emphasized that crucial projects like the BSRIP will help mitigate the effects of El Niño, which can result in water and power shortages. The BSRIP, covering an expansive 840-hectare service area, aims to foster sustainable development for 562 farmers and their families residing in Balbalungao, San Isidro, Salvacion, Sto. Niño, and Mapampang villages in Lupao town.
“This project showcases the administration’s unwavering commitment to developing modern infrastructure systems that will enhance our agriculture sector,” remarked Marcos. “Once fully operational, this multipurpose dam will provide irrigation for nearly 1,000 hectares of agricultural land in Barangay San Isidro, Balbalungao, Salvacion, Mapangpang here in Lupao, benefiting around 560 farmers and their families,” he added.
Moreover, Marcos highlighted that the BSRIP will facilitate hydroelectric power generation and serve as a flood control mitigation infrastructure for the communities along the river. He instructed the DA and the NIA to ensure the timely completion of other components of the BSRIP, such as the hydropower and watershed facilities.
The President called upon all government agencies, local government units, and the private sector to collaborate in securing the sustainability of water resources and the ecosystem surrounding the reservoir.
“Let the Integrated Watershed Management Plan guide you in monitoring, protecting, and conserving the Balbalungao watershed to prolong the dam’s service lifespan,” urged Marcos. “As we anticipate the success of the BSRIP in transforming the province’s lands into thriving hubs of productivity, we remain steadfast in our pursuit of food security, poverty reduction, and economic growth,” he added.
As of December 2022, Marcos highlighted the significant progress made in irrigating over 2.1 million hectares of the country’s land, demonstrating the government’s commitment to increasing irrigable lands nationwide to enhance food production and ensure a secure food supply for the Filipino people.
“We have generated approximately 25,000 hectares of new irrigation areas and restored nearly 9,000 hectares of irrigable land,” he stated. The government’s goal is to establish more than 275,000 hectares of new irrigation areas and restore around 80,000 hectares of existing irrigation areas by 2028.
“As we envision a more secure, sustainable, and resilient Philippines, let us harmonize our efforts to ensure the continued empowerment of our producers, progress, and prosperity for our nation,” concluded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Source: The Manila Times
