La Trinidad, Benguet – Bayabas Pump Irrigation System (PIS) in Brgy. Pico will now be operated and maintained by Peril Obudan Capjaran Farmers Association Inc., after a simple turnover ceremony on June 25, 2021.
The turnover ceremony was led by the Cordillera office of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA-CAR) Regional Manager Benito Espique, Jr., NIA Benguet Provincial Head Godofredo Velaque, Councilor Arthur Shontogan who is the also president of the Irrigators’ Association, Brgy. Captain Ramon Salda and Ms. Maro Domingo of the Office of Benguet Caretaker Eric Yap.
Completed early this year, the Bayabas PIS installed a submersible pump at the Bodikewkew Spring, Kapjaran, Pico. The pump has Total Dynamic Head (TDH) of 150 meters, and irrigation water was able to reach Sitio Obullan situated above Km. 4 (close to Piripin Bato).
Engr. Espique, Jr. urged the Peril Obudan Capjaran Farmers Association Inc. for the proper operation and maintenance of the irrigation facilities to be able to maximize its use and can be utilized for the longest time.
The project has an area of five hectares with 15 farmer-beneficiaries. The irrigated area is currently being cultivated for cabbage, potato, sayote and fruit trees.
As June 25 is also Arbor Day, attendees of the turnover ceremony planted coffee and fruit trees along the service area.
Rev. Richard Stone Banagui of the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany led the blessing of the irrigation system held at the source before its turnover to the Irrigators’ Association.
Also in attendance during the activity were officials and employees of NIA-CAR led by Grace Fanged, division manager for Administrative & Finance, Rita Afidchao, chief of the Administrative Section, Liza Jane Chalikis, chief of the Operations Section, and Helen Laoyan, chief of the Finance Section, as well as representatives from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist.