LUNA, Apayao – Following the destructive aftermath of multiple typhoons that slammed Northern Luzon, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in the province of Apayao has completed its clearing operations to restore irrigation to farms.
After the typhoons Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nika, and Ofel left a trail of debris in the West Apayao Abulug Irrigation System (WAAIS), the NIA Apayao team worked to clear wind-thrown trees and other blockages from the main canals. This cleanup allowed the intake gates to reopen safely, thereby resuming operations for the dry crop season.
Water delivery began on November 1 only to be halted later as precaution against the typhoons. Now, with the operations back on track, WAAIS aims to irrigate 5,030 hectares of farmland spanning the municipalities of Pudtol and Luna in Apayao, and Abulug and Pamplona in Cagayan.
NIA Apayao Acting Manager Engr. Samuel Bahiwag said that the farmers must follow the Cropping Calendar and Planting Pattern (CCPP) for efficient irrigation and to minimize the risks posed by increasingly frequent and severe weather disturbances.
Data from the Department of Agriculture estimates that Northern Luzon suffered agricultural losses exceeding ₱1 billion from the combined impact of the storms with rice farmers bearing the heaviest burden. For many, this translates to delayed planting, lower yields, and tighter margins – particularly those dependent on the dry cropping season.
The return of water delivery to farmlands in the province is a great step forward, but for farmers, it is clear that the storms’ impact will linger long after the canals are cleared. By Jess Christley Marquez
