(photo by PIA Cagayan Valley FB page)
PAMPLONA, CAGAYAN – Farmers and irrigators’ associations in eastern Apayao and western Cagayan have expressed appreciation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for government irrigation projects and maintenance assistance aimed at improving agricultural productivity and supporting rural livelihoods.
The farmers conveyed their gratitude during the inauguration of the Pamplona Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP) in Barangay Gattu, Cagayan, on Monday, October 26.
The event gathered farmers, irrigators’ associations, local officials, and representatives of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA).
Government assistance also covers operations and maintenance subsidies for 34 irrigators’ associations, with reported rates ranging from Php 30 to Php 270, depending on the area served. The payment basis and specific allocations have yet to be confirmed by the NIA.
Farmers emphasized the importance of reliable irrigation systems in maintaining agricultural production, particularly in rice-growing communities that depend on consistent water supply.
Alfredo Biggayan, a representative of the Mannalon Ti Guiddam Irrigators Association in Abulug, Cagayan, welcomed the government’s continued investment in irrigation infrastructure.
Biggayan clarified that his association receives irrigation water from a separate dam within the Apayao-Abulug irrigation network and is not a direct beneficiary of the newly inaugurated Pamplona facility.
Meanwhile, Leopoldo Bautista, vice president of the Nagtipunan Kakampi Irrigators Association, thanked the administration for providing irrigation and livelihood assistance to farming communities.
Bautista said his association had received support for nursery development and coconut-related activities but hoped to secure additional assistance for livestock raising and tilapia production.
He said the group currently operates two fish cages containing approximately 5,500 and 7,700 tilapia fingerlings, respectively, which could generate additional income for its members.
Bautista also appealed for further government support to expand livelihood opportunities alongside improvements in irrigation services.
According to the NIA, the Pamplona SPIP was implemented through the East Apayao-Abulug Irrigation System as part of efforts to strengthen irrigation infrastructure and improve agricultural productivity.
The project serves 307 farmers across five barangays and covers approximately 603 hectares of agricultural land, including 100 hectares of restored farmland.
The government said the expansion of reliable and cost-efficient irrigation facilities remains among its priorities to strengthen food security, improve farm productivity, and support agricultural communities.
