ZARRAGA, Iloilo -- The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) regional office answered the call to improve the Sigangao creek in this town.

Sigangao creek is one of the outfalls of the Jalaur River that flows from central Panay and during heavy rains, the creek floods neighboring communities leaving behind huge losses in agriculture and properties.

NIA received a commendation from Zarraga Mayor John Tarroza for the creek improvement project as beneficial to farmers, residents and other stakeholders.

NIA Regional Manager Gerardo Corsiga said the creek improvement in Sigangao is part of NIA’s P46 million drainage improvement program in the province.

Lampaya creek in Calinog town and Bolilao creek in Dumangas town were also improved and rehabilitated under the program.

The Sigangao project is parallel to the town’s vision of “Clean, Safe and Green” and will support agriculture, flood mitigation and environmental protection initiatives of Zarraga.

Sigangao Creek is also considered as home of the famous Zarraga “pantat” or catfish and other freshwater fishes.

Tarrosa said the NIA project really served its purpose.

It did not only contribute to flood mitigation but at the same time, the farmers have water during the dry season.

The project also promotes collaboration among national government agencies, the local government unit (LGU), civil society organizations and the academe for environmental protection.

Tarrosa said he has plans for the project site to become an eco-tourism site.

Trees that were cut down to give way for the project will be replaced.

The LGU in cooperation with NIA, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Solutions Ecosystems Activator of Zarraga and the residents themselves will work together to restore and improve habitat in the creek.