Damage to irrigation facilities in the Cordillera caused by the earthquake that hit Northern Luzon is pegged at P288 million, per initial report by various field offices of the National Irrigation Administration-CAR.
Most of the damages are located in the Province Abra totaling to 193 million pesos, which include the damages in the Abra River Irrigation System (ARIS), the only national irrigation system in the province, as well as the several communal irrigation systems in the various municipalities. Also damaged by the earthquake is the ongoing NIA office building in Abra.
Other provinces in the region also incurred earthquake damages in their irrigation systems.
The estimated damage cost is expected to rise as validation activities are still ongoing and to be conducted when closed roads are opened and become stable, as several aftershocks are still being felt in the region, especially in Abra.
According to Engr. Benito T. Espique, Jr., NIA-CAR regional manager, the office will immediately facilitate the preparation of Program of Works for submission and request of funds for the immediate repair and restoration of the damaged facilities.
Photo Caption: Portions of the lateral canals of the Abra River Irrigation System (ARIS) sustained damages during the 7.0 magnitude earthquake on July 27, 2022 and its aftershocks. ARIS serves areas in Bangued and Tayum, Abra.