FARMERS from the province of Quezon is seen to benefit more from the Dumacaa River Irrigation System (RIS) as the government of Japan, through its embassy in Manila, turned over the facility on December 10, 2020, under the National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (NISRIP) in Lucena City.
The Embassy of Japan’s Economic Affairs Minister Masahiro Nakata, National Irrigation Administration Senior Deputy Administrator Abraham B. Bagasin, Lucena City Administrator Anacleto Alcala Jr., Tayabas City Mayor Ernida A. Reynoso, as well as Japan International Cooperation Agency-Philippines Chief Representative Eigo Azukizawa, graced the event.
Before the official turnover, Nakata joined ribbon-cutting ceremonies at the rehabilitated Alsam Dam in Tayabas City, as well as the Irrigators’ Association Office and support facilities in Lucena City.
In his speech, Nakata highlighted: “The wide-ranging impact of this endeavor will contribute to the enhanced lives of farm households in the municipality of Pagbilao, as well as the cities of Lucena and Tayabas. The NISRIP project provides a shining example of the relationship between the Philippines and Japan.”
The ¥6.187-billion NISRIP project targets to rehabilitate 11 RISs nationwide. Four similar infrastructures, including the Dumacaa RIS in Quezon, have been completed. This P115-million subproject covers the rehabilitation of the Alsam Dam, which will restore around 1,839 hectares of service areas. Around 1,795 farmers in the municipality of Pagbilao and cities of Lucena and Tayabas stand to benefit from this undertaking.
According to the embassy, the Dumacaa Federation of Irrigators’ Associations will also be strengthened with the provision of four buildings with combined office and support facilities. These will also be complemented with vital agricultural support.
Said interventions are vital enablers to increase farm yield and productivity, accelerate farm income, and deliver growth in Quezon province’s agricultural sector.