P770-M Chico River irrigation system plan worked out in Kalinga

Engineer Raymundo Apil, chief of the Kalinga-Ifugao-Mountain Province Irrigation Management Office explains to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and other officials the proposed expansion project of the Chico River irrigation system using a model during inspection of the Chico River Diversion Dam last week. --Gigi Dumallig

By Dexter A. See

TABUK, Kalinga – The Kalinga Provincial Irrigation Management Office is preparing a comprehensive plan for the total rehabilitation of the Upper Chico River Irrigation System to expand the service area of the system.

Department of Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala inspected the dam site and canal recently and directed the National Irrigation Administration and the KAPIMO management to prepare a plan for possible funding by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Engineer Carmen Bustonera, OIC of the UCRIS, said the project proposal estimated to cost P770 million will irrigate an additional production rice area of 1,218 hectares - 718 hectares in Kalinga and 500 in Isabela side.

Butonera said KAPIMO proposed to the secretary to restore the system’s high service efficiency under the Participatory Irrigation Development Project that will rehabilitate and improve both the Chico diversion dam and Talaca catch dams including the upgrading of embankments of the main diversion canal, Tabuk supply canal, and lateral canals.

Outlet protection works of all existing structures were also proposed for improvement so with measuring and control devices, service access roads and terminal facilities.