Japan Turns over Irrigation System Facilities in Narra, Palawan

   On November 25th, Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) Yasushi Yamamoto participated in the turnover ceremony of the Malatgao River Irrigation System under the National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (NISRIP) in Narra, Palawan. The event was also graced with the presence of Cabinet Secretary Karlo Alexaei B. Nograles, National Irrigation Administration’s Deputy Administrator Mgen Romeo G. Gan. Mayor Celsa B. Adier from the Municipality of Aborlan, as well as JICA Philipppines Senior Representative Jin Hirosawa also attended the activity. Before the official turnover, DCM Yamamoto joined the ribbon cutting ceremonies of the rehabilitated Malatgao Diverson Dam’s North and South Canal as well as the Irrigators Association Office in Narra.
 
   In his speech, DCM Yamamoto underscored that the wide-ranging impact of these upgraded irrigation infrastructures would not only directly benefit the livelihood of farm communities in Narra and Aborlan, but pave the way for further improvement of the agriculture landscape in Palawan.
 
   The monumental 6.187 billion Yen NISRIP Project targets to rehabilitate 11 river irrigation systems (RIS)  nationwide. Three RIS including the Malatgao RIS in Palawan have been completed. The rehabilitated Malatgao diversion dam is located in the Municipalities of Narra and Aborlan. The components include restoring the Malatgao, Manaili  and Tigman Check Dams that will irrigate 3,014 hectares and benefit around 1,585 farmers. The Irrigators’ Association will also be strengthened with the provision of nine office buildings and support facilities, complemented with vital agricultural support. All of these interventions are vital enablers to increase farm yield and productivity, accelerate farm income and deliver growth in Palawan’s agricultural community.