Monday, March 31, 2008 RDC okays P981M irrigation project By Joy Romares-Sevilla
A TOTAL of P981 million worth of key irrigation systems to be implemented in Davao Region was recently approved by the Regional Development Council (RDC) Southern Mindanao, the highest policy making body of the region.
This was bared by the vice-chair of the RDC in Southern Mindanao and regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (Neda), Nicasio Angelo Agustin.
Agustin said the projects were approved during RDC Southern Mindanao's first regular meeting in Mati City, Davao Oriental on Friday.
The key irrigation systems will be implemented in all Davao Region provinces in 2008 to 2010 to support the agribusiness thrust of Mindanao Super Region.
"These irrigation systems will be implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). These projects will cover roughly 15,000 hectares agricultural lands in Davao Region," Agustin told Sun.Star Davao.
He added that the irrigation systems are also expected to help increase crop production, particularly for rice and corn.
"These projects would benefit almost 22,000 farmers," Agustin said.
Agustin also informed that all the Provincial Development Councils of the region have favorably endorsed these projects.
During RDC Southern Mindanao's first regular meeting, Davao Oriental Congresswoman Thelma Almario graced the convergence and shared important information on the congressional process related to public investment for project proposal, including these irrigation projects.
Also present during the meeting were RDC Southern Mindanao members Governor Douglas Cagas of Davao del Sur, Governor Arthur Uy of Compostela Valley, Mayor Rey T. Uy of Tagum City, Governor Corazon Malanyaon, and Mayor Mitchell N. Rabat of Mati City. (With PR)
