CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga (PIA) - - The province’s agriculture sector gets a boost from the continuing implementation of the Agriculture and Fishery Modernization Act of 1997 through the provision of irrigation facilities, among others.

Department of Agriculture-Cordillera Administrative Region(DA-CAR) Executive Director Cameron Odsey and Governor James Edduba led other officials in the inauguration of  the Malaggan Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP)  and the Ammalingan Solar Powered Irrigation System (SPIS) in this city on February 20.

The Malaggan SWIP at Balong with project cost of P14.9 million funded by DA-CAR and implemented by the provincial local government unit, will irrigate about 15 hectares.

Provincial Agriculturist Domingo Bakilan said the SWIP dam structure in Balong has a length of 97.50 meters, dam height of 15 meters, and width of 12 meters constructed across a narrow depression to hold back water and develop a reservoir that will store rainfall and run-off during the rainy season for immediate or future use of the rice farmers within the area.

The P5.5 million-worth Ammalingan SPIS in Cudal funded under the Corn Program of DA-CAR will serve about 10 hectares of rice lands. It is also open to benefit members of the Cudal Rural Improvement Club.  

Balong Punong Barangay Jerry Doctolero and Cudal RIC Representative Sonia Pagaduan both expressed gratitude to the provincial government and DA for choosing their places as the beneficiaries of the two projects. “Such is of big help in improving rice production in the city,” they said.
 
Odsey lauded the efforts of the PLGU in complying with all the documentary and needed requirements. He also acknowledged the perseverance of the farmers citing that the projects were realized because of their support.
 
Edduba said that the provincial government will continue sourcing out funds from line agencies to support the needed programs and projects to enhance agricultural systems in pursuit of sustainable agriculture. (JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga) Photos by KAlinga PLGU