THE National Irrigation Administration-Cordillera will cut off water supply to the Upper Chico River Irrigation System (UCRIS) in Kalinga and Isabela starting March 20 to pave way for its remaining rehabilitation.
Noly Sabado, NIA Kalinga head of operation and maintenance section, said the restoration is under the post-evaluation project of NIA- Cordillera Administrative Region.
Government is seeking new contractors to finish the World Bank subsidized project, which was terminated in 2016 with P135 million remaining balance.
"Starting March 20, we will cut off the water to give way for the remaining works of irrigation development project. We have finished the procurement processes, we are waiting for the winning contractors," said Sabado.
Sabado added they have conducted an information education campaign to warn the stakeholders of the closure.
The project is expected to be completed by June 30 and would be audited by Word Bank in August.
Sabado said rehabilitation of the system will pave the way for better services for farmers in the areas of Tabuk and Pinukpuk in Kalinga including the province of Isabela which covers 15,602 hectares.
Teddy Kob-ao, Ucris federation president in Tabuk, Kalinga, said prior to the rehabilitation, different associations have been informed of the closure. The farmers can use pumping stations nearby while the system is undergoing rehabilitation.