Agno River irrigation project to boost farmers’ productivity

BINMALEY, Pangasinan — National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Arturo Lomibao is optimistic that the P7.8-billion Agno River Irrigation Integrated Project slated to be implemented late this year will boost farmers’ productivity in about 17 agricultural towns in the province.

Lomibao told local newsmen here the other day that the project, formerly known as the San Roque Multi-purpose project irrigation component, is a multi-year project to be completed until 2011. In her State of the Nation Address, President Arroyo said the project will be implemented soon.

The first phase, which will cost around P7.8 billion, will irrigate 34,000 hectares out of the 70,000 hectares.

Most of the towns from eastern Pangasinan, which consist of the fifth and sixth districts, with the inclusion of Calasiao and Sta. Barbara towns in the third district and Mangaldan town in the fourth district, will benefit from the project.

The second phase will benefit Nueva Ecija, Lomibao said.

The project will be funded by the Japanese government, with a 10 percent counterpart fund from the Philippine government. The bidding will be held late this year. — Eva Visperas