NIA turnovers 11 irrigation projects in CAR

FARMER-beneficiaries of the governments’ irrigation program in the Cordillera Autonomous Region (CAR) formally took over the operations of 11 completed irrigation projects from no less than National Irrigation Administration (NIA) top official, Gen. Ricardo Visaya.

“Itong mga nai-turnover sa inyo na irrigation systems, alagaan ninyo kasi para sa inyo yan. Please (use them) in the proper way,” said Visaya, also the bemedaled former chief of staff compound in Bgy. Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet.

These projects currently serve 264 hectares benefitting 373 farmers in seven municipalities. With an aggregate cost of about 35 million pesos, the projects were funded in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

With the turnover done, the Irrigators’ Associations will now be in charge in the operation and maintenance of the irrigation systems.

“Strengthen your leadership, cooperation, and work together for the betterment of irrigation systems in your areas,” Visaya added.

The irrigation systems which were turned over include the Cabutotan Communal Irrigation System (CIS) in Madaymen, Kibungan which was turned over to the Cabutotan Irrigators Association, Inc.;

Cotop Pinanchay CIS in Bashoy, Kabayan which was turned over to the Bashoy Indigenous Peoples Farmers Communal Irrigators Association, Inc.;

Jappa-Minak-Conet Small Irrigation Project (SIP) in Shilan, La Trinidad, which was turned over to Shilan Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc.; and,

Kapangan Central CIS in Central, Kapangan which was turned over to Salat Kabelbelan Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc.

On the other hand, the Mambolo-Tinongdan SIP in Tinongdan, Itogon, was turned over to the Tinongdan Indigenous Peoples Organization; Gasal Amsilweng CIS in Masala, Kibungan was turned over to Planterms Farmers Association, Inc.;

Sapid CIS in Sapid, Mankayan, was turned over to the Sapid Irrigators and Farmers Association, Inc.; Taba-ao CIS in Taba-ao, Kapangan was turned over to the ABUDICK  Irrigators Association, Inc.;

Shalongen Creek-Dalabi SIP in Twin Peaks, Tuba, was turned over to Dalabi, Al-ogan, Soyosoy Irrigators Farmers Association, Inc.; Umesbeg Caucalan CIS in Taloy Sur, Tuba, was turned over to Inunas Toyong Shontog Irrigators Association, Inc.; and, Taloy Sur CIP to the Taloy Sur Irrigators Association.

The Taloy Sur CIP was funded under NIA’s Balikatan Sagip Patubig Program (BSPP) with counterpart funding from the Municipal Local Government of Tuba.

“Kami po ay nagpapasalamat sa mga irrigation projects ng NIA sa probinsya ng Benguet at sana po tuloy-tuloy ang proyekto ng NIA despite the devolution,” said Benguet Vice-Governor Johnny Waguis.

In his speech, Visaya also underscored on the devolution plans of the government in which NIA has no recourse but to comply in its implementation.

Executive Order No. 138 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations mandates the National Government to begin transferring certain functions to LGUs.

The Supreme Court’s ‘Mandanas-Garcia Ruling’ affirmed that local government units are entitled to a “just share” on all national taxes collected and not only from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

LGUs will have an increase in the overall Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) shares and are expected to assume delivery of services which have been devolved to them under Republic Act 7160, the Local Government Code of 1991.

According to Visaya, devolution would mean the transfer to LGUs of communal irrigation systems that are under the 1st to 4th class municipalities.

Meanwhile, the development, operation and maintenance of National Irrigation Systems as well as those irrigation systems in the 5th to 6th class municipalities will remain with the NIA.

Visaya explained further that with the devolution program, NIA’s budget for CY 2022 was cut down from P42 billion to P32 billion.

“Pero nakaalalay pa rin ang NIA especially sa technical aspect,” Visaya assured the LGUs.