CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga — The Kalinga Irrigation Management Office (KIMO) will implement this year around P153 million worth of projects including the continuing repair of the Upper Chico River Irrigation System (UCRIS).
Engr. Jone Duluan of KIMO said P85 million is allotted from the General Appropriations Act and National Irrigation Administration regular fund for the repair of UCRIS and another P27.5M from the Climate Change Fund.
He said P11.5M was also allotted for extension, repair and restoration of communal irrigation systems (CIS), 15M for small irrigation projects, and P13.9M from the Balikatan Sagip Patubig program for construction and provision of canal lining and structures for CIS.
The repair of UCRIS and other irrigation projects in the province will boost the production of farmers as it ensures at least two cropping seasons.
UCRIS can irrigate 6,600 hectares that benefit farmers not only in Kalinga but also Mallig and Quezon in Isabela.
At present, 80.31% of the UCRIS repair project was accomplished, and the KIMO gave contractors marching orders to finish until February 12 the repair of critical portions of the main canal, Duluan said.
Water release was originally scheduled last January 31 but the irrigators associations agreed with contractors and KIMO management to move the opening of irrigation supply along UCRIS until February 15 to pave way for the completion of remaining repair works on the main canal. **JDP/PAB-PIA CAR, Kalinga
