P2.3 billion Chico River Pump Irrigation starts 2012

PINUKPUK, Kalinga - Ex-Congressman Manuel Mamba of Cagayan announced the proposed P2.3 billion project to irrigate an estimated 8,700 hectares in Cagayan and Kalinga provinces is expected to be implemented next year.

Mamba, who led a tree planting activity in San Luis, Tuao, Cagayan on August 15, informed the reforestation project is part of the watershed development for the sustainability of the irrigation project.

“We must advance our preparations particularly on how to protect the source of irrigation by establishing watersheds,” he said.

The irrigation project is located at the Kalinga side in Pinukpuk. It will source water irrigation from the Chico River and pump up to irrigate 7,500 hectares in Tuao East, 1,170 in Piat and 360 in Pinococ.

“The project component includes the construction of pumping station, main canal, lateral and sub-lateral canals, main and supplementary farm ditches, operation and maintenance roads, drainage canals, and also sub-station and transmission lines to provide a year-round irrigation water supply,” Mamba said.

The irrigation canal will be constructed towards Tuao and Piat, Mamba said, adding part of the corn lands and sugarcane plantations in those areas will be converted into rice farming once the irrigation project is completed.

National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Antonio Nangil visited Tuao to validate the project.

Mamba said Nagil met with local officials and farmer leaders to update them of the status of the project. (Peter A. Balocnit)