Procurement process for the construction of the River Irrigation System (RIS) Diversion Dam in the Province of Aklan received high praises from Congressman Lito Marquez.
Saying efforts were "highly transparent," the solon gave credit to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Regional Office 6.
With P181 Million allotted for the project, Congressman Marquez took note of the benefits that has since been sought by the farmers and irrigator associations throughout Aklan.
"We highly commend your esteemed office in the manner of your procurement process which is highly transparent in giving equal opportunity for the five (5) bidders to participate, thus, saving several millions of pesos for the government," the Congressman wrote NIA 6 Regional Manager Gerardo Corsiga. "At least 9,900 farmers in the six towns of the province of Aklan will be elated to benefit from this proposed Aklan River Irrigation Improvement System."
To note, the project entails construction of two dam sites in the towns of Malinao and Banga aimed at providing irrigation to 4,269 hectares of agricultural lands. Further still, the project will ensure year-round irrigation water from Aklan River for 2,288.50 hectares in the towns of Banga, New Washington and Kalibo. Also directly benefitting is some 1,675 hectares for the towns of Lezo, Makato and Numancia.
"We strongly support the intent of NIA to provide adequate water supply from Aklan River for irrigation in Western and Eastern towns to boost the rice production of farmers from 78 cavans per hectare to 90 cavans for dry season," Marquez added. "This in view with the aspiration of President Rodrigo Duterte to make the country self-sufficient in rice production within one to two years."
Marquez has since worked on strengthening government programs and delivery of government services saying his priority is to change "miserable conditions of the peasantry."
"Genuine agrarian reform must, thus, be the priority program like this project in Aklan coupled with sufficient and sustainable agriculture support services. And then we can be sure that we can contribute in attaining rice self-sufficiency and food security program in the country," Congressman Marquez stressed.
By: Steve Cordero, PRO - C
