Study on the feasibility of national irrigation system (NIS) modernization program has started in the Cordillera Region.
This developed after the conduct of training workshop for the NIA-CAR personnel from Abra, Ifugao, Kalinga and Apayao who will embark on the feasibility study. The modernization team from the NIA Central Office conducted the technical assistance through on-site field validations, discussions with irrigators’ associations and other stakeholders as well as lectures and presentations from August 31 to September 7, 2022.
With the aim to have a study-based rehabilitation and improvement program geared towards modernization of national irrigation systems, the program includes the preparation of modernization feasibility study reports of the four national irrigation systems (NIS) in CAR, with the Upper Chico River Irrigation System (UCRIS) in Kalinga and Isabela as the pilot study.
According to Engr. Roselyn Tolentino, Modernization Program Coordinator of the NIA Central Office, the feasibility studies and detailed engineering outputs of the program are required as basis in the future implementation of repair, rehab, improvement, and modernization of NISs.
Aside from UCRIS, the other NISs in CAR are the West Apayao Abulug Irrigation System (WAAIS) with service areas in Apayao and Cagayan, the Hapid Irrigation System in Lamut, Ifugao, and the Abra River Irrigation System (ARIS).
Activities in this modernization program study involved seven disciplines which are surface water hydrology, groundwater, dam design/electro mechanical/project cost, irrigation and drainage, agronomy and economics, soil and land classification, and social and environmental safeguards.