THE National Irrigation (NIA) Authority said it inaugurated the newly-rehabilitated and Japan-funded P104.294 million Mal River Irrigation System (Mal RIS) in Davao del Sur.
“Mal RIS, whose water sources come from Mal River in Matanao, is expected to provide timely and reliable irrigation service to 2,635 hectares of agricultural land in the municipalities of Matanao, Kiblawan, and Hagonoy in Davao del Sur, benefiting 3,720 farmers and their families,” NIA said in a statement.
NIA Deputy Administrator Romeo G. Gan said: “The rehabilitation of Mal RIS will translate into efficient operation and maintenance, and eventually optimization of the benefits derived from this irrigation system.”
The NIA also turned over Irrigators Association (IA) Buildings and Support Facilities in the municipalities of Matanao and Kiblawan, respectively.
“The new building which will house the IA Office will serve as a conducive workplace where meetings can be held, records and documents can be secured, and a place where different agencies can coordinate with the IA. The post-harvest facilities will ensure quality of rice produced, thus, gaining a higher price for the commodity and eventually increasing the farmers’ income,” Mr. Gan said.
Meanwhile, the NIA said that it is hoping to venture beyond its core mission to develop hydroelectric and floating solar power projects and reposition large dams as agri-tourism destinations. — Reicelene Joy N. Ignacio
