A Php12-million communal irrigation system (CIS) was recently turned over by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to Paoac-Barobbob farmer-irrigators in Brgy. La Torre, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya to be able to irrigate a total of 334 hectares of agricultural land in the area.
Primo C. Lara, DAR Cagayan Valley Regional Director affirmed that the irrigation project is part of the nine (9) priority programs of DAR Secretary Conrado M. Estrella III focusing on the interests and welfare of the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).
“Lack of irrigation system is one of the challenges facing our farmers today. We will continue to collaborate with other agencies to ensure and expedite the delivery of support services to our beneficiaries,” Lara said.
The project was funded through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, with the DAR as the lead implementing agency, in partnership with the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
Engr. Rustico R. Turingan, DAR Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II, said the CIS can serve more than 334 hectares of agricultural land that could benefit over 94 ARB households in the barangay.
“Through this project, the farmer-beneficiaries would be able to improve and expand their agricultural production since the project can provide sufficient water supply to irrigate the ARB’s crops to raise their yield and guarantee the stability of their production,” he said.
Antonio Sergio Bagasao, Municipal Mayor of Bayombong reminded the farmers to maintain the infrastructure to be able to maximize its use and purpose.
Farmers who benefited from the project thanked the national and local governments for their unending assistance and support and for improving the irrigation system in the town of Bayombong.
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