P1-M drip irrigation project unveiled in Bulacan
CABANATUAN CITY — The National Irrigation Administration-Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation Service (NIA-UPRIIS) turned-over a novel project to a farmer-irrigators group in Bulacan that showcases the agency’s bid to improve their productivity and increase their income through the use of new farming technologies.
Dubbed as “Greenhouse Structure with Drip Irrigation System” project, engineer Rosalina Bote, NIA-UPRIIS chief, led the unveiling, along with representatives of Mayor Carla Galvez-Tan — councilor Ian Velarde, ABC president Robert Mananguit and municipal agriculturist Victorio Joson Jr. at the Jo-cel’s Farm in San Ildefonso, Bulacan last December 29.
Highlights of the ceremony included the unveiling of the project marker, ribbon-cutting, ceremonial test-run of drip irrigation system, and harvesting of crops such as iceberg lettuce.
The recipients of the P1-million-worth GSDIS project were the 88-farmer-members of the Sta. Catalina Bata-Matanda irrigators group led by its president Celestino Mananguit. The group has a service area of more than 158 hectares, said Bote.
Also present during the event were engineer Vicencia Dela Cruz, engineering and operations division chief, Division 4 manager engr. Wilfredo Balauro, Gloria Loren Hipolito, institutional development section head and Teresita Magno, Division 4 IDU head.
Bote said its construction formed part of the innovation and modernization programs designed by the agency under NIA administrator Ricardo Visaya to be able to generate additional income for farmers through crop diversity and adaptation of new farming technologies on high-value crops.
“Ito pong proyektong ito ay hindi para sa amin kundi para sa inyo upang pagyamanin at pakinabangan ng inyong samahan,” said Bote.
Mayor Galvez-Tan, who was represented by councilor Velarde, lauded Visaya and UPRIIS officials for selecting their town as the pilot area for the innovative project.
“The Greenhouse project would be a great avenue to augment the needs of our local farmers,” the mayor said.
