Submitted by admin-r4b on
Occidental Mindoro - The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) MIMAROPA Regional Manager Ronilio M. Cervantes has taken swift action to address the concerns raised by farmers in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro regarding the lack of water supply for their crops. Prompted by an appeal aired on TV Patrol last July 8, 2023, the NIA team at the Occidental Mindoro Irrigation Management Office (IMO) immediately extended assistance to the affected farmers.
The NIA team closely coordinated with Sablayan Mayor Walter B. Marquez, who confirmed that the municipality had been experiencing minimal to no rainfall for over a month, resulting to a steady decline in the water level in Patrick River. Additionally, Pulong Catmon IA President Mr. Bobby Castillo, highlighted the negative impact of the damaged brush dam which further contributed to the insufficient irrigation water supply. However, prior to the TV interview, NIA had initiated brush damming efforts, which were successfully completed on July 8, 2023. As a result, NIA ensured that the 144 hectares of farmland of the aforementioned IA in Brgy. Paetan had sufficient water supply to support the 68 farmers during the upcoming cropping season.
On the other hand, President Mark Henry Fontanilla of the Tagumpay Farmers’ Small Irrigators Association (FIA) also shared their struggles with brush damming, often experiencing delays due to insufficient fuel. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, NIA personnel, led by Engr. Emelito V. Urriquia, immediately delivered 200 liters of fuel on July 9, 2023, to the affected areas in Brgy. Tagumpay, Sablayan. This will be utilized solely in brush damming activities aimed at mitigating the effect of water scarcity. Notably, this particular area is not covered by the irrigation service of NIA, still, the agency guaranteed that they will be assisted in the most effective way possible. With that, President Fontanilla expressed heartfelt gratitude for the agency’s assistance and acknowledged the provision of the fuel.
The rice crops of Tagumpay FIA, spanning 200 hectares and benefitting 150 farmers are currently in the vegetative stage and are expected to be harvested in the second week of September. Fortunately, no other areas would be affected by water scarcity.
Overall, the farmland in Sablayan under NIA has been safeguarded, ensuring their survival until the next cropping season.