National Irrigation Administration, Quezon IMO - The agency on Saturday unveils new irrigation project amounting to P241.7 million held at Brgy. Ayusan I, Tiaong Quezon on April 23, 2016. The Quipot Irrigation Project is said to promote self-sufficiency in rice production in the municipalities of Tiaong, San Antonio, Candelaria, Sariaya all in Quezon and San Juan in Batangas.
NIA Administrator Dr. Florencio F. Padernal, PAFSAM Secretary Fredelita C. Guiza, and San Juan, Batangas Mayor Rodolfo H. Manalo grace the event attended by some NIA employees, farmers, Irrigators Association, and LGU officials. Dr. Padernal congratulates the team who made the project possible. "I congratulate the men and women of NIA-Region 4A who are instrumental in completing the diversion weir of the Quipot IP" he added. NIA Administrator told that one of the NIA's mandates is to contribute to every farmer for an improved socio-economic quality of life.
PAFSAM Secretary Fredelita C. Guiza noted that the project will address the low rice production in Quezon which has been the problem of the province from the start. Meanwhile, San Juan, Batangas Mayor Rodolfo H. Manalo expresses his gratitude for the optimum result of the project among his constituents. The mayor even gave financial support to NIA for the construction of agency's sub-office in Region 4A.
"The completion of the Quipot Irrigation Project is a milestone in the history of irrigation works in Region IV-A" said Regional Manager Engineer William Ragodon. He noted that the construction of the project has not been easy due to different circumstances one of which is the pending availability of additional funds.
Upon the full completion, Quipot IP will provide irrigation water to over 2,800 has (1,815 ha for Quezon and 985 ha for Batangas) of paddy fields during wet and dry season. It will benefit a total of 2,155 farmers (1,327 in Quezon and 828 in Batangas) and will increase their agricultural production from 2.80 tons/ha to 5 tons/ha during wet season and 2.60 tons/ha to 5.2 tons/ha during dry season.
Also present during the event who represent NIA are Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Engr. Erdolfo B. Domingo, Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Ms. Estrella E. Icasiano, Engr. Modesto G. Membreve, Operations Manager Engr. Romeo Lopez, PAIS Manager Ms. Pilipina P. Bermudez, and IMO Quezon Acting Division Manager Engr. Jaime C. de Jesus. Other official who came to witness the event was PCA Region IV-A Regional Manager Ms. Erlene Manohar.
