TUBA, Benguet – The Canubas and Soyosoy Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) are now officially turned over to the Soyosoy Irrigators’ Association, Inc. for operation and maintenance after the ceremonial turnover held in Camp 4, Tuba, Benguet on August 18, 2023.
NIA-CAR Regional Manager Benito Espique, Jr. led the turnover of documents to the Soyosoy Irrigators’ Association, Inc.
The Canubas and Soyoso CISs are both existing irrigation systems funded under the Repair of Existing Communal Irrigation Systems (CIS) that underwent repair this CY 2023.
The Canubas CIS has a total project cost of P2.1 million and service area of 10 hectares with 15 farmers while the Soyosoy CIS has a project cost of P2.2 million and service area of 17.12 hectares with 10 farmers.
Engr. Godofredo Velaque, NIA-Benguet Satellite Office Provincial Head lauded the members of the irrigators’ association who maintained the projects for fixing minimal damages. For 18 years since the projects were turned over to the same irrigators’ association in 2005, Engr. Velaque said that it was timely that these projects were repaired as there were facilities which deteriorated over the years.
Engr. Espique also commended the cooperation of the members of Soyosoy IA for maintaining the projects and the quick implementation of their repair.
The turnover was also witnessed by barangay officials, Municipal Agriculture, NIA-CAR Institutional Development Unit Chief, Ms. Paulita Yagyagan, other NIA employees and irrigators’ association members.
Mr. Binayan, president of the Soyosoy Irrigators Association, Inc. expressed his gratitude to NIA for the continued support in the repair of the existing projects.
The two irrigation projects are part of the 54 CY 2023 being implemented this year in Benguet. As of August 15, 2023, 16 projects are completed out of 54. By Jean Ananayo