NIA begins work on Capiz’s largest irrigation project

MANILA, Philippines – The government has begun the construction of a P664.75-million irrigation project in Capiz, touted as the largest of its kind in the province.

In a statement on Friday, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said the Bayuyan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) was targeted to be completed by December 2025.

The Bayuyan SRIP covers 594 hectares of agricultural land encompassing eight barangays in President Roxas town: Bayuyan, Badiangon, Culilang, Goce, Carmencita, Cubay, Ibaca and Sto. Niño.

Aside from year-round irrigation that would benefit 540 farmers, NIA said the project would help in flood control, environmental and watershed management, agrotourism promotion and aquaculture development, among others.

NIA acting administrator Eduardo Guillen reiterated the agency’s commitment to accelerating the development of irrigation projects nationwide.

“NIA has two missions: to provide efficient irrigation services and improve the livelihood of the farmers. If we work together, nothing is impossible,” Guillen said in his message during the groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremony.

Early this week, the agency said it was planning to implement a P2.1-billion irrigation project in North Cotabato to scale up food production there.

The planned project in the Lower Malitubog area would irrigate 800 hectares.

“Once this project is realized, it will further boost the agricultural productivity in the area that would redound to achieving peace and order and socioeconomic development and ultimately improve the lives of our farmers in this part of Central Mindanao,” NIA had said.

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