CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Agriculture -10 (DA-10) conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Lunokan Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) amounting to P18.077 million on October 14, 2021 at Miglamin, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon.

Said facility, which will soon rise in sitio Lunukan is intended for the Lunokan Farmers Small Water Irrigation System Association, Inc. (LUFASWISA).

In an interview, LUFASWISA President Rico Cabillo said, that he is very thankful for the intervention of the agri department to their association for an improved cropping intensity.

“In a year, we can only do one cropping, heavily depending on rainwater for our crops to grow. With this SWIP, we might be able to do 2-3 croppings a year, which is a great help for us farmers, here in Lunokan. On behalf of all the members of LUFASWISA, we are thankful to DA-10 for this intervention,” he added.

Meanwhile, OIC-Chief of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering Division of LGU Malaybalay, Engr. Joel Delos Reyes said, that the construction of SWIP can help in expanding their existing agricultural lands.

From 60 hectares, he detailed, it can water an additional 40 hectares which will be beneficial to other farmers in the area.

DA-10 Regional Executive Director Carlene C. Collado urged for the cooperation of the association, contractor, and the local government units to maximize the benefits of the project.

“Your cooperation for the completion of this project is greatly needed. I ask everyone to extend their hands to the contractor during the construction phase. If the results of the construction are good, then we will look for ways where we can give more interventions that the association has requested.”

Overall, the SWIP will benefit the 120 members of LUFASWISA, which includes indigenous people from the Umayamnon ang Higaonon tribes. # (CRSeraspe)