PALO, Leyte -- Two packages of Pinipisakan Irrigation Project (PIP) are nearing completion marking significant milestones in the entire PIP.

The PIP, which is implemented by the National Irrigation Authority Region VIII – Northern Samar Irrigation Management Office (NIA VIII-NSIMO), aims to irrigate 2,000 hectares of farmlands in the municipalities of Catubig and Las Navas, Northern Samar, directly benefiting 430 farmers through a secured source of irrigation. 

The Regional Development Council VIII - Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RDC VIII-RPMC) monitoring team, who conducted an inspection on 19 May 2022, reported that the construction of the Pinipisakan Siphonic Bridge Flume is 95.90% completed while the two (2) construction of earth canals, canal structures and service road of PIP Catubig Left Main Canal (CLMC) laterals is 89.67% complete. 

The Siphonic Bridge Flume plays a key role in channeling water from the dam down to the irrigation canals reaching the targeted farmlands. The Siphonic Bridge Flume is set to be completed in May 2022 while the entire irrigation system will be tested in July 2022 after a period of curing. The project costs P88.14 million. 

The CLMC laterals will convey the water from the main canal directly to the farmlands. The canal prism and structures for Lateral 4 (4.10 km) are completed, which would supply water to 310.22 hectares of farmlands. Lateral 2 (2.29 km) is also nearing completion that would serve 128.12 hectares.  Construction of Lateral 2x (2.29 km) and Lateral 3x (2.34 km) are still ongoing, targeting to serve 82.80 hectares and 72.84 hectares, respectively. This project costs 66.82 million. 

Due to Northern Samar’s adverse weather conditions, the construction of these projects was a huge challenge. Hence, RDC VIII-RPMC advised NIA VIII-NSIMO to explore construction technologies and practices that can adapt to these weather conditions for ongoing and future projects. 

The PIP is envisioned to increase production and farmers’ income and alleviate poverty among the project beneficiaries.  (NEDA-8)