National Irrigation Administration chief Claro V. Maranan officiated the partial turnover and blessing of the Ceboza Communal Irrigation Project to the Badagoy Irrigators Association, Inc. last December 29, 2013 at Magsaysay, Davao del Sur in Region XI.
The event was also attended by Regional Irrigation Manager Julius S. Maquiling of Region XI, Municipal Mayor of Magsaysay, Davao del Sur Hon. Engr. Arthur Davin, Badagoy Irrigators Association, Inc. President and Brgy. Kagawad Exiquel Elentorio, Irrigation Management Officer Manny Rañeses and farmers who are members of the Irrigators Association.
The new irrigation facilities that were constructed at the cost of P30,240,000 consisting of dams, canals and canal structures will supply water to a new area of 270 hectares and will supplement the existing 2,100 hectares of farmland and will benefit more or less 1,200 farmers. The Badagoy Irrigators Association, Inc. was a 2012 Agri Pinoy Awardee for irrigation systems management according to RIM Julius S. Maquiling.
On his speech, the administrator said that he was pleased with the association for actively working with barangay officials and the NIA and it was due to this close coordination that contributed to the success of the agency's project in the area.
"We were not able to complete our projects without the help of the farmers, the barangay, and the local government," Maranan said.
He added that NIA is studying the implementation of aquaculture projects as a source of livelihood for farmers and said that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) will assist them on this matter. Other potential livelihood project that the agency is studying is power generation through the use of hydro-power because there are 160 potential sites in the country where this could be utilized.
Apart from the said event, Maranan also formed and headed "Task Force Pablo" a team that proceeded to Region XI in Davao City last December 27 to 30, 2013 to look into the progress of the projects implemented related to Typhoon Pablo.
