The Tanjay-Bais irrigation project, worth over P975 million, will soon irrigate 19 agricultural barangays in Negros Oriental.
At least 3,900 hectares of agricultural fields are also expected to become more productive and benefit some 1,577 farmers in the barangays of Tanjay, Bais, and Pamplona.
Provincial irrigation officer Nestor Pastor of the National Irrigation Administration led the groundbreaking ceremony for the irrigation project, along with Mayor Mercy Goñi of Bais City, assistant Provincial Administrator Froilan Pinili representing Gov. Roel Degamo, and representatives of local chief executives of Tanjay and Pamplona.
Pastor said the national government initially released P100 million this year for the construction of a dam with the water sourced from Tanjay River, with supplementary water from the existing main canal, a government press release said.
“In using the water, this is already free for the marginalized farmers under the Irrigation Act especially those below eight hectares, and those with over eight hectares will pay a minimal amount only,” he added.
The project aims to provide a sustainable development in agriculture through a quality irrigation system in the province.
Pinili said the province will become sufficient in rice production to ensure food amid the pandemic.
He also thanked the national government for the project that will benefit Negrenses.*
