LAOAG CITY, Nov 30 (PIA Ilocos Norte) -- The National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Ilocos Norte led the inauguration and turn-over of the newly rehabilitated and improved Solsona Rehabilitated Irrigation System (RIS) and Mandongan Dam in Dingras, Ilocos Norte on November 24.

The project is funded by the Japanese Embassy through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The inauguration program was attended by different heads and officials of NIA Region 1 and provincial office, Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc, Japan Embassy Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko, and JICA Chief Representative Mr. Azukizawa Eigo.

According to NIA project administrator, Engr. Silvino Navarro, the rehabilitated irrigation system is expected to benefit around 8,149 farmers and 3,365 hectares of farmland that will increase the food security of the province.

Manotoc urged NIA and the beneficiaries to maintain the rehabilitated irrigation systems. “These types of projects are given much attention when they are inaugurated but sometimes years later, they’re not the emphasis anymore. So may we ensure the maintenance and care of this project and together with the local governments and the provincial level and our friends at NIA, may we maintain this as best as we can,” he said.

The Japanese representatives also expressed their elation in the completion of the rehabilitation project, “May these irrigation systems have lasting impact in the future generations and boost overall socio-economic development in Ilocos Norte,” Kazuhiko said. (JCR/VHS/EJFG/JMDC, PIA Ilocos Norte)