DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Ilocos targeted to complete the construction of the Dumuloc earthfill dam in Bugallon, Pangasinan by 2025.
NIA Ilocos regional manager, Engr. Gaudencio De Vera said the department first repaired the old dam in Dumuloc and is currently continuing the repair of Laguit Dam and the construction of canal lining in preparation for the construction of the overall structure of the 40-meter Dumuloc earthfill dam.
“The project aims to provide a quality irrigation system to Bugallon farmers to increase their production,” De Vera said.
With an estimated project cost of P1.651 billion, about 1,484 farmers and their families are expected to benefit from the improvement of irrigation and water distribution.
He said, “Over 1,632 hectares of land can be irrigated during the wet season while 1,300 hectares for the dry season.”
“The project will cover the barangays of Umanday, Laguit Centro, Poblacion, San Francisco, Hacienda, Cayanga, Portic, Salomague Norte, Salomague Sur, Bacabac, and Bolaoen,” he added.
Early this month, NIA acting administrator, Engr. Eddie Guillen conducted a site visit and inspection at Dumuloc earthfill dam together with Deputy Administrator for Administrative and Finance Sector Ralph Lauren Du and Engr. De Vera.
Engr. Guillen also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ramon Guico III to discuss the irrigation development plans in the province.
Moreover, he had the chance to talk to the seven irrigators association presidents of Bugallon town and laid down the different projects for them.
Once the construction of the Dumuloc earthfill dam is completed, Guillen aims to convert it into an agritourism enterprise.
Meanwhile, the local government unit of Bugallon expressed its support to the dam’s construction.
Municipal Administrator Amado Aquino said that although the large structure is not yet finished, the initial constructions made by NIA are of big help because the farms that were not irrigated before have been reached and are able to plant crops in the summer season.
According to NIA’s data, the physical accomplishment of the project is at 28.49%.
The groundbreaking of the Dumuloc earthfill dam was conducted in November 2021. (PIA Pangasinan)
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