Chico River washes out 200 hectares in Kalinga

P14.8M out for water diversion project 

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- An initial amount of P14.8 million was allotted for Chico River Re-channeling and Management Project to divert water from the mighty river and prevent it from causing further damage to rice lands and properties here, 200 hectares of which were already washed away.

CRRMP head Julio Barcellano said the project is jointly funded by the Department of Interior and Local Government under the Bottom-up-Budgeting with P10 million, and  the city government which allotted P4.8 million.

Based on project study, the Chico River had washed out about 200 hectares of rice land in the 13 rice-producing barangays situated along the west bank of the river.

The eight-year project from 2015-2022  is contained under Executive Order 2015-01 issued by Mayor Ferdinand B. Tubban in January 30, this year.

Seeing the impact of the project on rice industry of the city, it had been made part of the city development plan.

 A multi-sector taskforce was formed to  implement it.

Meanwhile, the city development council and barangay officials of barangays along Chico River met to discuss the Chico River rechanneling and management plan prepared by Task Force Chico which aims to enhance safety of the populace and boost local economy.

They were joined by other partners from the Office of the Congressman, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Irrigation Administration, the provincial government, and quarry operators group.

During their meeting, they agreed to pool their resources to implement the plan targeting to start it this year with the conduct of a stretch survey on areas where rechanneling will start.

Stakeholders involved in the project committed to support the plan considering the economic benefits it contributes to

farmers when farms are protected from flooding and lands redeemed; the construction industry for source of aggregates; local government units on revenue generation; and disaster risk reduction on settlers along riversides.