Agri-10 through its RAED turns over the diversion dam project to the municipality of San Fernando.

 

SAN FERNANDO, BUKIDNON — Aiming to increase crop yield and improve farmers’ livelihood by ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply, the Department of Agriculture – Regional Field Office 10 (DA-RFO 10), through its Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED), staged the turnover ceremony of the construction of PhP8.397-million Magkalungay Diversion Dam on October 14, here.

Funded under the current year of the Department’s Rice Program, the project construction began on April 15, 2024 and was completed on October 7 of the same year. Standing at over 2.8 meters in height and with 1,460 meters attached canal lining, the dam serves approximately 100 hectares of rainfed rice production area in the town.

Said DA-10 RAED Programs and Projects Management Section chief Engr. Romil G. Española, the active support and participation of the barangay and the municipal local government units were instrumental in helping complete the project earlier than anticipated.

“Now that water is available, farmers can plant continuously without having to wait for the dry season to end,” he added.

Through the project’s implementing objectives, both cropping intensity and crop yield will be enhanced, thereby increasing farmers’ incomes and contribute to the Department’s goal for rice sufficiency and poverty alleviation.

Further, to help sustain the viability of the diversion dam, DA-10 RAED chief Engr. Deliza T. Camaro emphasized the importance of good operation and maintenance practices such as conducting regular meetings and assigning personnel to regularly clean the surrounding environment of the dam and canal lining to preserve them for the years to come.

In closing, Makalungay Small Water Irrigation System Association chairman Margarito Oling expressed his gratitude towards DA-10, stressing that the project would greatly improve rice farming in their area.

He also pointed out that through collective collaboration, they would be able to safeguard the project for future generations.

“Our vision is not just for today; our vision is for tomorrow and the progress that our children will get to enjoy in the future,” he said.

Supporting the event were DA-10 Bukidnon Provincial Operations Center chief Janet D. Lopez, DVM, and from LGU San Fernando representing Mayor Rogelio C. Yeke is Councilor Richie D. Rabago, also in the presence of Bukidnon Agricultural Biosystems Engineering Division chief Engr. Deneb Ganancial, Municipal Agriculturist Coleen Alva C. Ambos, Brgy. Kagawad Larry Serrano and other local officials.# (EJLG)