Wed, 02/14/2018

Recognizing the criticality of water supply in productivity and other development initiatives, Third District Congressman Alfredo Benitez spearheaded the presentation and consultation on the Malogo River Irrigation Program of the National Irrigation Administration with stakeholders. specifically in the cities of Victorias and Silay and the municipality of E.B. Magalona.

The Panel at the Malogo River Irrigation Program Consultation . (let to right) Silay Mayor Mark Golez, EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Cong. Alfredo Benitez, NIA Special Projects Coordinator for Region VI Engr. Jesus Datoon and Victorias Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca.

He cited the five-point benefits of irrigation – boost agricultural productivity, flood mitigation, source of potable water, the power component and eco-tourism.

Cong. Benitez said the consultation and dialogue held in Talisay City last February 12, 2018 primarily sought to clarify salient points of the NIA program that was conceptualized and proposed in 2014, and up for its final implementation this 2018. He also underscored the need to analyze program details, citing opportunities for synergy and convergence so that the program is effectively and efficiently implemented, with understanding and acceptance of all concerned.

The NIA Malogo Irrigation Program targets to irrigate 8,625 hectares of farms mostly in the Third District.

It is important, Cong. Benitez stressed, that all stakeholders understand and accept the program thus the dialogue gathered representatives from the regional, provincial and local offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Agriculture and chief executives of affected local government units with their planning and engineering key staff.

The NIA group was headed by Engr. Jesus Datoon, special projects coordinator for Region VI; Engr. Isaiah Melendez, Provincial Manager; and Engr. Jerry Gicare, project engineer of the Malogo River Irrigation Project. Also present were Victorias Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca, Silay Mayor Mark Golez, EB Magalona Mayor Marvin Malacon, Provincial Agriculturist Atty. Japhet Masculino and Victorias Consultant on Water Nathaniel Acha who presented the Victorias Flood Situation. Cristino Rivas, president of the Barangay E. Lopez Farmers Irrigation Association also attended to air concerns about the program.

Cong. Benitez steered the dialogue among stakeholders, capping the consultation with a hotlist of next vital steps by all concerned to fast track implementation and among them, to address the need for rehabilitation of all irrigation projects in the province for the critical validation in the 2019 budget.*