Recognizing the vital role of irrigation in agricultural development, Cong. Albee Benitez joined the Public Scoping Session for the Malogo River Irrigation Project conducted by the National Irrigation Administration together with the Schema Konsult, Inc. last October 21, 2016 at the Natalio Velez Sports & Cultural Center in Silay City.

At the Malogo River Irrigation Project Public Scoping Session. (left to right) Engr. Serafin Palteng, NIA NIR Director Mario Sande, Cong. Albee Benitez, Punong Barangay Lea Beri of Tanza, Silay, and PB Sharyn Belen of Pasil, EB Magalona.

The Malogo Irrigation Project involving a 2.0 meters diversion dam to be built in Barangay Kapitan Ramon in Silay City is projected to benefit 8,625 hectares of irrigable area covering five barangays in Silay (Hawaiian, E. Lopez, Guinhalaran, Lantad, Bagtic) and six barangays in E.B. Magalona (Alicante, Cudangdang, Mantaangan, Pasil, Sto. Niño, Tanza).

The public consultation with key stakeholders is a vital activity included in the Feasibility Study and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment which is a requirement for the issuance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources prior to project implementation.

NIA and the consultants presented details of the project after which individuals and groups from the government and the private sector affected in the project coverage areas presented issues and concerns for discussion.

Cong. Benitez underscored the importance of convergence, cooperation and synergy by all participating stakeholders for smooth planning and implementation, as well as to anticipate developments that can affect the project.

The session was attended by Silay Mayor Mark Golez; Engr. Mario Sande, NIA Director for NIR Region 18; Lorena Sioco, NIA Negros Occ. OIC; and several punong barangays of Silay and EB Magalona.

Last October 20 at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City, the Public Scoping Session for The Imbang River Irrigation Project was also held. The 1.6 meters diversion dam planned for the Imbang River Irrigation Project will benefit 1,450 hectares of three barangays of Talisay City – Bubog, Dos Hermanas and Matab-ang.

The irrigation project components also include provision of flood control scheme, possible hydro power generation, construction of irrigation canal network abd on-farm facilities, construction of project drains and improvement of existing creeks and rivers. It will also cover provision of service and access roads within the irrigation service area and the provision of an appropriate resettlement plan framework.*