NIA inks P1.98-billion project contracts
Credit to Author: Eireene Jairee Gomez| Date: Thu, 16 Jan 2020 16:45:09 +0000
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) on Thursday said it had signed five project contracts worth P1.98 billion for 2020, which included the construction of irrigation systems and earthfill dams, and acquisition of heavy equipment.
In a statement, the agency said the agreements were signed between NIA Administrator Ricardo Visaya and executives of the project contractors last Tuesday at the NIA Central Office in Quezon City.
The bulk of the total amount was for the construction of the P832.97-million Balbalungao Earthfill Dam in Lupao, Nueva Ecija.
The Balbalungao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, with a service area of 840 hectares, aims to provide sustainable development in the area by improving farm productivity in support to the government’s agricultural program, NIA said.
The agency added that the project will utilize water resources from Balbalungao River through the construction of 27-meter high embankment dam, canal network and appurtenant structures, and the rehabilitation of the existing dam of the San Isidro Communal Irrigation System, envisioned to eventually function as a regulator dam.
The project will be done in coordination with P.L. Sebastian Construction Inc. and R.D. Interior Junior Construction.
The NIA also entered into an agreement for the establishment of P455.84-million Alfonso Lista Pump Irrigation Project (Alpip) in Ifugao with Tokwing Construction Corp. and ASC Construction and Concrete Products. The Alpip aims to provide substantial and timely water supply for irrigation to agricultural lands in three villages of Alfonso Lista, Ifugao.
“The project, whose water sources come from the Magat Reservoir, is expected to irrigate around 2,300 hectares of agricultural lands in the area, benefiting 2,800 farmers and their families,” NIA said.
The project contracts also include the P322.83-million Ibato-Iraan Earthfill Dam located in Aborlan, Palawan that will be undertaken by Green Asia Construction and Development Corp.; and the P333.37-million Sulvec Earthfill Dam in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.
Lastly, the contract for the acquisition of eight wheeled loaders worth P45.5 million is part of the agency’s Three-Year Re-fleeting Program for calendar year (CY) 2017 to 2019.
For CY 2017, NIA purchased 34 units of light/transport vehicles and 17 units of heavy equipment. A year after, NIA acquired 91 units of light/transport vehicles and 18 units of heavy equipment.
Moreover, five units of heavy equipment and 91 units of light/transport vehicles are set for procurement in 2019.
NIA is the lead government agency mandated to develop all possible sources of water for irrigation and provide efficient and reliable irrigation services to Filipino farmers.