BINMALEY – The completion of the phase 1 of the P7.8 billion Agno River Irrigation Integrated Project (ARIIP) slated to be implemented late this year will greatly benefit farmlands in the fifth and sixth districts.

This was pointed out by National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Arturo Lomibao last week as he outlined the timeline for the project which was earlier known as the San Roque Multi-Purpose Project Irrigation component, expected to be completed in 2010.

Calasiao, Sta. Barbara and Mangaldan, he said will also be benefited.

To date, the water being released by the dam flows into the lower stream of the Agno river before exiting to the Lingayen Gulf, and considered a waste of resources.

Phase 2 of the project will benefit Nueva Ecija, he said.

He said the bidding for the project will be held late this year pending completion of final negotiations with the Japanese government and the loan signing agreement.

The   funding will come from the Japanese government with a 10 percent counterpart fund from the Philippine government.

      Meanwhile, a whole sitio of about 100 hectares will soon be submerged to become the site of a giant “re-regulating pond” for ARIIP after NIA has completed the resettlement of 34 families who will be affected by the construction of the reservoir.

     NIA Regional Director John Celeste said the area will be submerged as soon as the circular “re-regulating pond” where the water being discharged by San Roque at its peak power generation would be conveyed, is constructed.

       Lomibao said once the project is completed, it will also help control flood and its potential for tourism is vast.

       Vowing to make a difference at NIA although he just assumed as administrator three weeks ago, Lomibao said the government should make irrigation a priority if it has to develop a strong agro-industrial economy.

       He cited irrigation as the main factor for the economic miracle experienced in China and Thailand.

       “With irrigation, you can improve the incomes of farmers. If you improve the income of farmers, you improve their way of life,” he said.

Lomibao, told local media that “Sa NIA, magsasaka muna” (In NIA, farmers first) will be his rallying slogan as he expressed confidence that he can make a difference for the organization. – EVA.

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