Bayawan, Negros Oriental – The National Irrigation Administration Administrator (NIA) Region 7 Manager Modesto G. Membreve have high hopes on the proposed Multi-purpose Irrigation Project in Bayawan Negros Oriental to materialize, this was after his positive observation on the initial inspection he personally conducted on the site wherein the project supposed to be situated and the surrounding area which will benefit after the realization of the project.
February 16, 2018 when NIA Administrator Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya (Ret) called-up RM Membreve to personally look into the proposal of Negros Oriental Third District Congressman Arnolfo A. Teves, Jr. The lawmaker wanted to build a substantial irrigation project in the district that would significantly improve the economic situation of the Bayawan and the province of Negros Oriental as a whole.
With the assistance of the technical staff of the NIA Negros Oriental Satellite Office headed by Engr. Norma M. Monisit and Engr. Nestor M. Pastor, RM Membreve meets the proponent to discuss the plans and details of the proposal.
The insufficient irrigation water in the area that made the farmers rely on rainwater to cultivate their crops and the vast idle lands that could have been productive were the major factors that urged him the congressman to come up with the proposal.
As a member of the Committee on Agriculture, these have been a serious concern that he is more than willing to find a solution regardless of the challenges that may arise.
His solution, by taking advantage of the healthy inflow of the Pagatban River and terrain along this river of which he thought suitable to put-up irrigation structure (reservoir) with specification enough to generate more than 1000 hectares of irrigated area is more than enough to solve the problem.
In addition, this could also be a source of Hydroelectric power, household and commercial water supply and even tourism to name a few. These opportunities had made the Cong. Teves confident that his proposal will have some positive feedback.
To put this into perspective, RM Membreve and Cong. Teves conducted an aerial inspection of the area the former was referring to, including some the length of Pagatban River which will be the source of this project. While, the team of Engr. Monisit and Engr. Pastor also conducted their initial inspection with minor walk through and terrain observation on several sites.
Their initial findings did not disappoint, RM Membreve was convinced that the feasibility of this proposed project is high and would likely be approved and endorsed by the NIA top management for the next process.
RM Membreve instructed the prompt preparation of needed documents for feasibility study and detailed engineering as well as the data needed for his presentation to the NIA Administrator next week.
On the other hand, Congressman Teves ensured that he will be willing to provide all the needed assistance the agency might need in order to fast track all the necessary requirements for this project to get through.