Wednesday, October 26, 2016
By ERWIN P. NICAVERA

NEGROS Occidental Third District Representative Alfredo Benitez has underscored the importance of convergence for the smooth planning and implementation of the Malogo River Irrigation Project.

Benitez, who joined the public scoping session for the said project in Silay City last Friday, said that aside from planning and implementation stages, cooperation and synergy by all participating stakeholders is also vital in anticipating developments that can affect the project.

The public consultation was spearheaded by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) with the Schema Konsult Inc.

Aside from NIA officials in the region, the session was also attended by Mayor Mark Andrew Golez and several village chairmen of Silay, and its neighboring town E.B. Magalona.

The Malogo River Irrigation Project, which covers a two-meter diversion dam to be built at Barangay Kapitan Ramon in Silay City, is projected to benefit 8, 625 hectares of irrigable area covering five barangays in the northern Negros city, including Hawaiian, E. Lopez, Guinhalaran, Lantad and Bagtic.

In the E.B. Magalona side, it is positioned to benefit six other barangays namely, Alicante, Cudangdang, Manta-angan, Pasil, Sto. Niño, and Tanza.

“We recognize the vital role of irrigation in agricultural development,” Benitez said in a press release.

Moreover, the public consultation with key stakeholders is seen as a vital activity included in the feasibility study and environmental and social impact assessment.

The study and assessment form part of the requirements for the issuance of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) before the project implementation.

During the consultation, NIA and consultants presented the details of the project.

After which, individuals and groups from the government and private sectors affected in the project coverage areas also raised issues and concerns for discussion.

Meanwhile, a public consultation for the Imbang River Irrigation Project was also held at the Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City last Thursday.

The 1.6-meter diversion dam planned for the Imbang River Irrigation Project is seen to benefit 1,450 hectares in three barangays of the city including 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 and on-farm facilities, construction of project drains, and improvement of existing creeks and rivers.