P1.5 B set for Cordillera irrigation after reps lobby

By Aiza Liza P. Namingit

The combined efforts of Cordillera congressmen have assured the region of P1.553 billion in funds from the national Irrigation Administration.

The funds will be used for the repair and rehabilitation of irrigation systems damaged by typhoons Juan, Pedring and Quiel as well as the construction of new systems to boost agricultural productivity in the region.

Ifugao Rep.Teddy Brawner Baguilat initiated efforts to keep the funds by coordinating with the President Aquino, as well as the Departments of Agriculture and Budget and Management.

In early 2011, several Mindanao representatives moved to realign the CAR budget under NIA to 

Mindanao, due to the damage caused by typhoon Sending.

However, efforts by Baguilat, with the support of other CAR solons, blocked the realignment that would have deprived the region of the much-needed funds.

In a letter to DAR Secretary Proceso Alcala, the representatives stressed that failure to rehabilitate the damaged irrigation systems will greatly reduce rice production and further exacerbate poverty in the CAR, particularly in Kalinga, Ifugao and Mt. Province.

Also, such a move would endanger the rice terraces in the region, of which those in Ifugao are inscribed in the World Heritage List of Unesco. 

Baguilat said that it was fortunate that President Aquino and the other members of the Cabinet realized in time that the funds were badly needed by CAR, which is comprised by some of the poorest provinces in the country, thus they acceded to the request of the representatives to keep the funds in Luzon.

“This victory goes to show that much can be done if we combine our energies and efforts toward something good, like channeling funds for the irrigation needs of the Cordillera,” said Baguilat.

He noted also that P160 million will be used for the rehabilitation of the world-famous Ifugao Rice Terraces.