P12.3-M damage to irrigation in Cordillera region due to typhoons, monsoon rains
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The National Irrigation Administration-Cordillera (NIA-CAR) reported an initial P12.3 million in irrigation damage from the effects of the recent typhoon and southwest monsoon in the Cordillera region.
NIA Regional Manager Engr. Ronilio Cervantes said they recorded 253 hectares of agricultural land and 668 farmers affected by the damage.
He said most of the affected projects are Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) in Abra, Benguet, and Mountain Province.
“The estimated cost for the repairs is P12.3 million. This is an estimated cost but we do not have a Quick Response Fund, so we will submit it to the NDRRMC and the NIA Central Office so that we can get funding,” Cervantes said.
Cervantes added that the affected CIS that can still be restored can be repaired using the operation subsidy given to the irrigators’ association.
He said those with minor damage can be remedied such as replacing old pipes. Those that cannot be repaired will no longer be planted with crops.
According to Cervantes, the continuous rains have raised the water level in the rivers which helped replenish water sources and provided relief to areas affected by the El Niño phenomenon, including Apayao, Kalinga, and Ifugao.