Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala together with National Irrigation Administration (NIA) head Engr. Claro V. Maranan and Department of Energy (DOE) Usec. Ramon Allan Oca graced the ground-breaking rites of the Isabela Mini-Hydro power project, the Monggo sowing activity and The Harvest Festival in San Mateo, Isabela last March 4, 2014.
Administrator Claro V. Maranan joins DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, MARIIS Operations Manager Mariano G. Dancel and DOE Usec Ramon Allan Oca in the groundbreaking of the mini hydro power plant in Isabela. With them are LGU and JICA officials.
During the program proper, DA Secreta
ry Alcala gave his message as guests of honor and NIA Administrator Maranan together with CIAM President Nemesio S. Yadao also delivered their inspirational messages.
Other officials who attended the activities were, NIA Regional Manager Antonio Lara, San Mateo, Isabela Mayor Crispina R. Agcaoili M.D., Ramon, Isabela Mayor Wilfredo Tabag and Magat River Integrated Irrigation System Operational Manager Engr. Mariano G. Dancel well as representatives from Japan National Cooperating Agency (JICA).
The Isabela Mini-Hydro Project will generate power through the run of the river and has a peak water usage of 3.0 cubic meters per second with an effective head of 3.0 M. It has a maximum output of 45 KW of power with an annual power generation of 236,000 Kwh.
On its completion in November 2014, an estimated 500 households from Barangay San Marcos and nearby Barangays will be able to have access of affordable electricity from the facility. This will be the first in terms of usage of irrigation canals in the country and will serve as a pilot for future DA-NIA mini-hydro water projects.
"Apart from Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (MARIIS), the NIA has initially identified 147 other sides nationwide as possible locations for mini-hydro projects which can generate an estimated of not less than 28 megawatts of electricity altogether" Maranan said.
Celebrating a bountiful harvest.
Mongo Sowing Activity.
