By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz The inauguration of a ₱993.3-million irrigation project in Iloilo province is seen to provide various benefits such as irrigation, flood control, watershed management, fish culture, and agro-tourism in the province. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) inaugurated the ₱993.3-million Barotac Viejo Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) last April 16. Barotac Viejo SRIP, whose water sources come from Barotac Viejo River includes the construction of a zoned earth-fill dam and its appurtenant structures which is expected to provide timely and reliable irrigation service to 2,050 hectares of agricultural lands in the villages of California, La Fortuna, Natividad, Sto. Domingo, Bugnay, San Miguel, San Antonio, San Geronimo, San Lucas, Vista Alegre, and Dela Peña in the municipality of Barotac Viejo, and Merced, Carmelo, Talokgangan, Bariga Magdalo, and Libertad in the municipality of Banate. The project includes the generation of 265 hectares of newly-irrigable areas, 459 hectares of rehabilitated areas, and 1,326 hectares of restored areas, benefitting 1,171 farmers and their families. It is also expected to provide other incidental benefits, such as flood control, watershed management, fish culture, and agro-tourism. In relation to agro-tourism, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to conduct a study on the proposed agro-tourism site within the Barotac Viejo SRIP vicinity was signed by NIA, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Tourism, and concerned local government units. “This project is a fruit of NIA’s modernization and innovation feat. Barotac Viejo SRIP is investing in the well-being of its farmer-beneficiaries. It is investing in social development as an agro-tourism site where people can find relaxation and enjoyment. It is investing on those aspects which will improve the quality of life of people who live within the ambit of the project,” NIA Administrator Ricardo Visaya said. NIA Regional Manager Gerardo Corsiga reiterated the words of the NIA chief that the welfare of all project-affected and displaced families was given a top priority on the livelihood activities from Barotac Viejo SRIP. He also informed that the reservoir needs at least six to eight months for it to be filled with water. “A little more sacrifice and this reservoir will finally provide a year-round water supply,” Corsiga said.