Marcos says Nueva Ecija irrigation project to help mitigate El Niño effects

President Ferdinand "Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said Wednesday that the irrigation project in Nueva Ecija would help in mitigating the effects of El Niño.

Marcos graced the inauguration of the Balbalungao Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Barangay San Isidro, Lupao, Nueva Ecija. He said the multi-purpose dam would provide irrigation for close to 1000 hectares of agricultural land and will benefit about 560 farmers and their families.

''I wish to emphasize that this project shall also help address the effects of El Niño. We must be prepared to counter its effects, which may last until the second quarter of 2024,'' Marcos said in his speech.

''So we remind once again the DA and the NIA  to immediately complete the construction of irrigation facilities as well as other supporting structures based on the needs of our farmers,'' he added.

The President also said that the irrigation project is part of the continued efforts of the Department of Agriculture and the National Irrigation Administration ''to boost rice productivity in Nueva Ecija, which has now become the Rice Bowl of the Philippines.”  

''It shows this administration’s steadfast commitment to develop modern infrastructure systems that will enhance our agriculture sector,'' Marcos said.

''The dam will generate diversified income opportunities through increased crop yields, fish culture, tourism, and watershed management for environmental protection. It will likewise facilitate hydroelectric power generation and serve as a flood control mitigation infrastructure for the communities along the river for years to come,'' he added.

Marcos also urged government officials to let the Integrated Watershed Management Plan serve be the guide in monitoring, protecting, and conserving the Balbalungao watershed to prolong the dam’s service lifespan. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News