The National Irrigation Administration in the Caraga Region (NIA-13) has held pre-construction conferences with irrigators’ associations (IAs) in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur provinces in preparation for PHP116.25 million worth of irrigation projects aimed at boosting rice production.

NIA-13 met with members of the IA in Barangay Ugoban, Tagbina, Surigao del Sur, on Thursday to discuss the PHP16.2-million Tagbina Communal Irrigation Project. This project is expected to irrigate 200 hectares of rice fields in Barangay Ugoban and nearby villages, directly benefiting 90 IA members who rely on rice farming.

“Water is essential in rice farming and production. We are thankful to the government, especially NIA, for the realization of this irrigation project,” Romeo Ordonio, IA vice president, said in an interview Friday.

Meanwhile, the agency convened on Wednesday IA members in Barangay Guadalupe, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur province, to prepare for the PHP100-million Guadalupe Solar Powered Pump Irrigation Project. Scheduled to begin next week, this project will cover 105 hectares of rice farms and benefit 65 IA members.

“The IA members were informed on the project background and profile, program of works, plans and designs, and the project execution plan during the conference,” NIA-13 said in a statement Friday.

In the same statement, IA president Jesus Sularte expressed gratitude for the project’s implementation, saying members had long awaited its realization.

Municipal agriculture officers from Tagbina and Esperanza also attended the conferences, highlighting their support for the initiatives designed to enhance agricultural productivity in the region. (PNA)