The Management Committee of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA-ManCom) headed by Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan visited the ODA-Funded Chico River Pump Irrigation System (CRPIS) at Pinukpok, Kalinga on June 7, 2024. The visit was part of the activity of the Management Committee meeting hosted by NEDA Region 2 from June 5-7, 2024 in Tuguegarao City.
The CPRIS has a total project cost of PHP4.49 billion where PHP3.13 billion was funded through a loan from China EXIM Bank. The electric motor-driven pump irrigation system has a targeted service area of 8,700 hectares to benefit 4,992 farmers in the municipalities of Tuao and Piat in Cagayan and in Pinukpuk, Kalinga. The project started its operation on May 18, 2023, irrigating 3,417 hectares.
Division Manager, Engr. Orlando Espejo of the National Irrigation Administration Regional Office 2 welcomed the NEDA officials at the CRPIS Field Office in Palca, Tuao, Cagayan. NIA Technical staff provided a briefing and responded to some clarifications being raised. According to NIA, the project greatly increased the production of rice farmers from three metric tons to a maximum of ten metric tons per hectare of yield in one cropping cycle. The operation of the irrigation system also mitigated the effects of El Niรฑo in the service area during dry cropping season of the year, allowing the farmers to cultivate previously dried-up farm areas.
NEDA officials were delighted to visit the pumping site where they witnessed the actual operation of the electric-pumps of the irrigation system. On-site orientation was likewise conducted by NIA Technical staff on the different components of the system such as intake area, control room, pumping station, 69KVA switching station and canal system. Currently, the irrigation system operates four electric motor pumps and irrigates around 5,300 hectares of agricultural lands. With these developments, Secretary Balisacan said that the project contributes to the Presidentโs advocacy on food security and self-sufficiency. He also added that NIA should venture into other renewable energy sources such as solar power to supply the additional power requirements of the irrigation system.
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