Quezon farmers to get irrigation system from Japan

The program, dubbed “Sulong Ang Pag-unlad ng mga Magsasaka/Magniniyog” (SAPM), aims to improve the farmers’ financial management skills and assist them in agricultural businesses, specifically coconut farming. (File photo: Department of Agriculture – Philippines)

MANILA – The Japanese government is set to turn over the Dumacaa River Irrigation System in Lucena City, Quezon on December 10 to boost the province’s farm yield and productivity, the Japanese Embassy in Manila announced Wednesday.

The irrigation system is part of Japan’s ¥6.18 billion (PHP2.85 billion) National Irrigation Sector Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (NISRIP) that targets to rehabilitate 11 river irrigation systems (RIS) nationwide. Four RIS including the Dumacaa RIS in Quezon have been completed.

The PHP115 million sub-project covers the rehabilitation of the Alsam Dam that will restore around 1,839 hectares of service areas.

According to the Embassy, around 1,795 farmers in the municipality of Pagbilao and cities of Lucena and Tayabas are seen to benefit from the initiative.

The Dumacaa Federation of Irrigators’ Associations will also be strengthened with the provision of four buildings with combined office and support facilities.

“All of these interventions are vital enablers to increase farm yield and productivity, accelerate farm income, and deliver growth in Quezon’s agricultural community,” the Embassy said in a statement.

The turnover ceremony on December 10 will be attended by Embassy of Japan’s Economic Affairs Minister Nakata Masahiro, National Irrigation Administration Senior Deputy Administrator Abraham Bagasin, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Chief Representative Azukizawa Eigo, and local executives of Lucena and Tayabas.