DA bares solution to flood problem in Davao, Agusan

The perennial floods of Davao and Agusan provinces in the south, which for years had been bringing serious environmental and agricultural damage to local residents, may soon be over as the government unveils two measures meant to plug the problem and put the ecological issue to rest.

Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor disclosed this information, saying a viable solution to the flood problem had been reached by local and national leaders, which would virtually turn the adversity into opportunity for economic development in Mindanao.

In a report to President Arroyo following a visit to the south last week, the DA chief said the twin projects, for implementation in the near future, had been crafted by the National Irrigation Administration, the Department of Public Works and Highways and local officials of Caraga and southern Mindanao region.

He said one measure, which requires the building of a dam and a hydroelectric power plant, would be carried out in Davao. The other, which also entails dam construction, would be done in Caraga region covering Agusan del Sur.

Montemayor said the Davao undertaking is covered by the proposed Saug River multi-purpose project in the town of Asuncion, which features a dam alongside which a power generating facility will be built.

He said the proposed structure will churn out hydro-based energy that can produce electricity for use by homes and industries. It will also provide water to irrigate 6,730 hectares of farmland in the municipalities of New Corella and Asuncion – which at present could not do so much in terms of agriculture production because of the flood.

Farther north, the DA chief said the government is planning to undertake the Umayan multi-purpose dam project in Loreto, Agusan del Sur, which will collect water from five sources, including Ihaoan river, Lagum river, Umasa river, Adgaoan river and Kayaoan river, all in Caraga region.

He said the dam and irrigation facility, when fully operational, can irrigate some 80,000 hectares of agricultural land in Agusan del Sur, brightening farm production prospects of the province.