By Debbie E. Gasingan

 

CORDILLERA, Philippines — The National Irrigation Administration-Cordillera (NIA-CAR) continues to monitor and assess the effects of the recent tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon on the irrigation systems across the region.

NIA-CAR Regional Manager Engr. Ronilio Cervantes said they were able to record 253 hectares of agricultural land and 668 farmers affected by the damage. Most of the affected projects were communal irrigation systems (CIS) in Abra, Benguet, and Mountain Province. The estimated cost for repair is P12.3 million.

“Wala po tayong Quick Response Fund kaya ang ginagawa natin, ito pong estimated cost na ito ay isina-submit natin sa NDRRMC at saka sa NIA Central Office para manghingi tayo ng pondo,” Cervantes said during an interview over Radyo Pilipinas Baguio on August 14, 2026.

He said that affected CIS that can still be restored may be repaired using the operation subsidy provided to the irrigators’ association.

“Dagitoy dadduma a mabalin pay nga mai-remedyo kasla kadagitoy nadadael a bassit a kanal, dagitoy na-slide, dalusan laeng… ken kabilan iti old pipes. Ngem nu dagitoy saan a maremedyoan, isuda ti saan a makamula ita nga cropping,” he said.

(Those with little damages can be remedied like putting old pipes. But those that cannot be remedied will not be planted to this cropping.)

Meanwhile, Cervantes said that the continuous rains have increased water levels in rivers, helping replenish water sources and provide relief to areas affected by the El Niño phenomenon including Apayao, Kalinga and Ifugao. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)