P1.4M irrigation system opened

ALBUERA, LEYTE , Philippines — Officials of this town and representatives of the European Union (EU) Food Facility Program and the German-funded GIZ-EFOS recently inaugurated the P1.425-million irrigation system at Brgy. San Pedro here.

Mayor Erlinda dela Victoria said this was a dream-come-true for the town's farmers, as she assured the public that the LGU would always support similar projects in partnership with the European organizations.

 EU Food Facility Program officer Rafaella Boudron and GIZ-EFOS senior adviser Alex Tabada hoped that proponents and town residents would benefit from the project, which was designed to irrigate initially 40 hectares, most part of which has been abandoned in the past due to lack of water.

The project is expected to benefit around 343 households directly and 440 households indirectly. Allan Samson, assistant municipal planning officer, said rice harvest can now be expected to double or even triple because farmers can plant two to three times a year and not just depend on the wet season or rainfed farming.

Vice Mayor Rodanimod Cayanong, in his speech, was thankful that the problem of food security in the area has been solved, and he hoped the project would inspire wider cooperation and lasting support.

EU representatives, saying they were impressed at the implementation of the irrigation system, announced the granting to the LGU the Phase II project, worth P5 million, which will expand irrigation to the adjacent Brgy. Tabgas, spanning 2.5 kilometers and covering 60 hectares of farmlands more.

One half of the LGU's counterpart for Phase II will be burdened by the farmers, who said they will repay it in a year's time.

Samson said the usual harvest in the area is 80 cavans per hectare per year only, and this could triple due to the resulting stable supply of water, and restoration of formerly abandoned ricelands.