Submitted by niaregion3 on
Series of farmers’ forum and meeting were conducted by TARZAM IMO Staff as mean of consultation and orientation in relation to the earlier proclamation regarding the “No ISF Policy” of the new administration. The policy shall greatly affect the operation of NIA and will provide tantamount inconvenience among its farmer clientele in relation to operation and maintenance of irrigation systems.
Recently, in a meeting conducted by the TARZAM IMO Staff, the OIC of Zambales Satellite office, Engr. Feliciano A. Gaspar presented and explained to the members of Sangguniang Bayan, Barangay Council of Antipolo and Luna and Vice Mayor Lugil Ragadio of the municipality San Antonio, Zambales the program of work of the proposed Namanaan CIP wherein, the improvement of the existing diversion works, installation of canal structures and construction of canal systems is involved. The total project cost is P5 million and expected to irrigate more than 70 hectares of farmland with 120 farmer beneficiaries.
Simultaneous thereto is a walk-thru and conduct of project orientation and organizational meeting of the Namanaan Farmers Association with full participation of the farmer beneficiaries, Barangay officials and member s of LGU.
As part of the orientation, the “No ISF Policy” is not a big deal among the FBs of the proposed project because they are fully aware on the obligations of the irrigators association once the project is implemented and completed. The association understands the Participatory Approach Program of the NIA and accepted the responsibilities on the construction, operation and maintenance of the irrigation system and likewise the responsibility of paying the required amortization to NIA.
“Since there is no memorandum issued yet from the higher ups, we should continue our routinary activities to provide better services to our farmer clients and hope for the best for the NIA”, according to Tarzam IMO Manager, Engr. Lauro E. Ballesteros.
Four (4) projects namely, Cavite CIS, Namanaan CIS, Looc-San Agustin PIP and Buenavista PIP located in the municipalities of Castillejos and San Antonio were among the priority participatory irrigation projects of Zambales Satellite Office.
by Marie R. Montehermoso – Tarzam IMO