BALINGASAG, Misamis Oriental (PIA)--The National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-10, through its Lanao del Norte-Misamis Occidental-Misamis Oriental-Camiguin Irrigation Management Office (LAMISCA IMO), extends aid to the damaged irrigation facilities of the Balingasag-Lagonglong River Irrigation System due to the heavy rains caused by the shear line weather condition, December 2022.

LAMISCA IMO inspected a total of one hundred thirty meters of damage to the main canal of the said facilities due to the onslaught of heavy rains in the area. The damaged canal serves an area of 410 hectares of rice fields, which are currently in their dry cropping season.

With the possibility of affecting the existing crop areas, a makeshift can was made as part of the temporary and immediate response of the agency.

"Makeshift canal was purposely built to salvage further damage to crops that are now in the vegetative stage," LAMISCA IMO Division Manager Elpidio Lucernas said.

A total of P25.1 million in damages to the irrigation dams and terminal facilities were recorded in the areas of Balingasag, Alubijid, and El Salvador City comprising 516 hectares of irrigable service area, six irrigator associations, and eight hundred seventy-two farmers affected province-wide.

To streamline a quick recovery from the disaster, the agency coordinated with the different local government units for possible solutions to the damages that occurred due to the shear line weather conditions. (NIA-10/PIA-10/Misamis Oriental)