The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) 13 (Caraga) has identified 160,176 hectares of the region’s 1.88 million hectares of agricultural land as potential irrigable areas, with more than half already benefiting from irrigation.

Rosalinda Caiña, NIA-13 engineering and operations division manager, said during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday that the agency has already developed 80,842 hectares —50.47 percent of the total irrigable area— through irrigation services and other programs.

Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration, NIA-13 turned over PHP273.2 million worth of irrigation projects to rice farmers between 2022 and 2023. These systems are now irrigating 1,511 hectares of rice lands, primarily in Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte, benefiting 1,225 farmers from irrigators’ associations, Caiña said.

Among the notable projects completed in the last two years is the Sta. Paz Solar Pump Irrigation Project in San Isidro, Siargao Island, which costs PHP45 million and now serves 95 hectares and 65 beneficiaries. Another significant project is the Opong Solar Irrigation Project in Tagana-an, Surigao del Norte, valued at PHP20 million and covering 28 hectares for 56 farmers.

Other projects include the Agusan del Norte Communal Irrigation Systems costing PHP142.5 million, which now serve 544 hectares for 433 beneficiaries. The Buenavista Communal Irrigation Systems in Agusan del Norte worth PHP15.9 million now irrigate 581 hectares and benefit 436 farmers.

“The NIA constantly monitors these irrigation projects to ensure proper maintenance and effective service to the beneficiaries,” Caiña said.

NIA-13 also received 20 new vehicles and 19 heavy equipment units for better monitoring and upkeep of the irrigation systems. (PNA)