Sunday, June 29, 2008 Irrigation system in Cotabato opens after 12 years By Ben O. Tesiorna
AFTER 12 years of being dry, water runs through again the Maridagao River Irrigation System (MRIS) service area in Pikit, North Cotabato boosting rice production in the area.
North Cotabato Governor Jesus N. Sacdalan and Pikit Mayor Sumulong K. Sultan led local government officials, national agency representatives, and Maguindanaon farmers from four villages of Pikit in a ceremonial rice planting at the newly opened service area on June 20.
"Finally, after more than 12 years, water is flowing along the previously dry canals of this irrigation system to provide much needed water for an initial 1,000 hectares of rice lands in Nabundas, Tinutulan, Balabac and Gocotan. This is the beginning of a new hope for our farmers who have long wanted to have an opportunity to improve their lives by improving their income," Sacdalan said.
The ceremonial rice planting was held two days after a successful test run of the system following the completion of engineering works on portions of the MRIS irrigation canal at Barangay Gocotan.
These included repairs on a collapsed embankment and construction of concrete linings along parts of the main canal.
The North Cotabato Provincial Engineering Office and the National Irrigation Administration worked together on the project utilizing local labor from the four beneficiary barangays. Works on the project scheduled for 30 days was finished in 25 days.
In his message during a short program following the ceremonial rice planting, Sacdalan said the attention of the National Government is currently focused on the MRIS rice production expansion area.
"Your success in making these 1,000 hectares of land productive will be the basis for future projects supported by the national government," he told the farmer beneficiaries who have formed an irrigation association.
"The agricultural production assistance will continue to come if our efforts here yield positive results," he added.
The farmers have been provided with 1,000 bags of certified rice seeds and fertilizers on a plant-now-pay-later basis. Farm machineries like hand tractors and power tillers will also be provided.
They were also given technical training by personnel from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist and the Municipal Agriculture Office of Pikit.
Sacdalan also sent five farm tractors of the Provincial Government to assist in land preparation.
The governor also said that the provincial government will continue to provide other basic services to the people of the area including safe drinking water, electricity, Philhealth benefits for indigent community members, and membership in the Cotabato Health Insurance Program.
