BUGUIAS, Benguet, Philippines – A total of 18 projects are starting implementation this July after the conduct of the ceremonial groundbreaking of all CY 2026 projects in Benguet held earlier today in Brgy. Buyacaoan of this municipality.
The ceremonial groundbreaking, which includes capsule-laying in Sitio Bayoyo, is led by NIA-CAR officials led by Regional Manager Ronilio Cervantes, NIA Benguet Provincial Head Chester Laplana Hon. Kenneth Tereng of the KM Party-List represented by Mr. Ryan Mang-usan, Governor Melchor Diclas represented by Mr. Mario Baucas, Buguias Mayor Julius Amos represented by Councilors Wilnar Tolida and Jose Bayas, Brgy. Chairperson Simon Guinid, Sr., various Irrigators’ Associations leaders of Buguias and other municipalities of the province.
Of these 18 projects amounting to a total budget allocation of P135 million, eight are for the repair and restoration of existing communal irrigation projects to rehabilitate 100 hectares and restore 72 hectares.
There are 10 small irrigation projects (new) which includes three solar-powered pump irrigation projects, intended to generate a total new area of 203 hectares.
Regional Manager Cervantes reaffirmed NIA’s commitment to implementing projects with the highest standards of quality and within the prescribed timelines.
He also called on irrigators’ associations and farmers to actively support the agency by monitoring project implementation in their respective areas, helping ensure the quality, integrity, and timely completion and use of irrigation projects.
For CY 2026, 3 projects are located in Buguias, 2 in Kabayan, 2 in Mankayan, 1 in Atok, 1 in La Trinidad, 2 in Tuba, 2 in Bokod, 1 in Sablan, 1 in Tublay, 1 in Bakun, 1 in Itogon and 1 in Kibungan.
Also, during the ceremony, a total of P2,604,147 operation and maintenance (O&M) subsidies in Benguet for various irrigators’ associations were presented to IA representatives. IAs are encouraged to continue with their O&M activities within their irrigation systems, submit reports and accomplishments to NIA to be able to continually claim their subsidies.
