NIA inaugurates P993.3-million Barotac Viejo SRIP
NIA Administrator Ricardo R Visaya (4-R), NIA Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Sector Romeo G Gan (Middle Left), Iloilo 5th District Representative Raul Tupas (Middle Right), and other NIA and Local Government officials led the unveiling of the marker during the inauguration of P993.3-million Barotac Viejo Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (Barotac Viejo SRIP) on April 16, 2019 at Nueva Invencion Village, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.
NIA Region VI – Under the leadership of Administrator Ricardo R Visaya, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) inaugurated the P993.3-million Barotac Viejo Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (Barotac Viejo SRIP) on April 16, 2019 at Nueva Invencion Village, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.
Barotac Viejo SRIP, whose water sources come from Barotac Viejo River includes the construction of zoned earthfill dam and its appurtenant structures which is expected to provide timely and reliable irrigation service to 2,050 hectares of agricultural lands in the villages of California, La Fortuna, Natividad, Sto. Domingo, Bugnay, San Miguel, San Antonio, San Geronimo, San Lucas, Vista Alegre, and Dela Peña in the Municipality of Barotac Viejo, and Merced, Carmelo, Talokgangan, Bariga Magdalo, and Libertad in the Municipality of Banate.
The project includes the generation of 265 hectares of newly-irrigable areas, 459 hectares of rehabilitated areas, and 1,326 hectares of restored areas, benefitting 1,171 farmers and their families. It is also expected to provide other incidental benefits such as flood control, watershed management, fish culture, and agro-tourism.
In relation to agro-tourism, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct a study on the proposed agro-tourism site within the Barotac Viejo SRIP vicinity was signed by and between the NIA, Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources, Department of Tourism, and Local Government Units (LGUs).
In his message, NIA Administrator Visaya said, "This project is a fruit of NIA’s modernization and innovation feat. Barotac Viejo SRIP is investing in the well-being of its farmer-beneficiaries. It is investing in social development as an agro-tourism site where people can find relaxation and enjoyment. It is investing on those aspects which will improve the quality of life of people who live within the ambit of the project.”
Iloilo 5th District Representative Raul Tupas expressed his gratitude to the project which will boost the tourism aspect of Barotac Viejo. The eyed tourist attractions in the Barotac Viejo SRIP will be added to the already booming tourism industry of the fifth district.
Meanwhile, NIA Regional Manager Gerardo P. Corsiga reiterated the words of Administrator Visaya that the welfare of all project-affected and displaced families was given a top priority on the livelihood activities from Barotac Viejo SRIP. The Regional Manager also informed that the reservoir needs at least six to eight months to for it to be filled with water.
“A little more sacrifice and this reservoir will finally provide a year-round water supply”, Regional Manager Corsiga said.
NIA remains committed to its mandate of providing an essential contribution to the inclusive socio-economic growth and agricultural development of the country through the provision of efficient, sustainable, and reliable irrigation service to the Filipino farmers.
**For questions and/or clarifications, you may contact:
PILIPINA P. BERMUDEZ, CESE
Department Manager A
NIA Public Affairs and Information Staff
E-mail: vparamio@yahoo.com
Mobile: 0995 251 7847
Landline: 921-3741
