(From L-R: Raul Molina, Engr. Loayon, Regional Manager Membreve, 3rd Dist. Cong. Yap, Brgy. Capt. Biloy and IA members during the ceremonial ribbon cutting)
OY LOBOC – On Friday, February 23, 2018, the National Irrigation Administration Regional Office 7, through the Bohol Irrigation Management Office formally turned over the operation and maintenance of the newly accomplished Loboc Groundwater Pump Irrigation System (PIS) rehabilitation project to its beneficiaries, the Oy-Multipurpose Cooperative of Barangay Oy, Loboc Bohol, headed by its president Eulogia B. Laguras for them to handle the operation and maintenance of the said irrigation system.
The turnover ceremony began at around 4:00 o’clock in the afternoon which was attended by the NIA R-7 regional manager, IMO personnel, IA officers, members, 3rd District Congressman Arthur C. Yap, Gov. Edgar M. Chatto’s representative – Mr. Raul Molina, Municipal, and Barangay officials.
Engr. Modesto G. Membreve, the NIA R-7 regional manager, led the turnover ceremony.
In his turnover message, Regional Manager Membreve told everyone that the turnover ceremony would not be possible without the help and support of Cong. Yap.
According RM Membreve, the project was proposed by Cong. Yap while he was still the Department of Agriculture Secretary and he also allotted funds for its commencement because of his love for the people of Loboc.
Also, the improvement project was made possible because of Cong. Yap’s effort to defend the budget proposal of the NIA R-7 during the budget deliberations in the House of Representatives.
“Ever since I became the regional manager of the NIA R-7, Cong. Yap during his term as congressman was always present during the budget deliberations to make sure that the budget proposed by the agency for his legislative district will be approved.” said RM Membreve.
He also acknowledged the role of the other government officials present, citing Gov. Chatto who strongly indorsed the projects of the agency in the Regional Development Council.
“As for the IA beneficiaries, my request to all of you is to take good care of the Pump Irrigation System so that it will last long and the future generations may also use and benefit from it.” added RM Membreve.
Cong. Yap in his inspirational message praised the leadership of RM Membreve for a job well done in giving immediate and favourable action to his request that a communal irrigation system be constructed in Oy, Loboc Bohol.
He thanked the people of Oy for their constant support to him and to the NIA R-7. He also added that because of their trust and support, the project turnover became a reality.
He also challenged the beneficiaries to take good care of the irrigation system and assured the members of the IA and cooperative that more projects beneficial to them will be given before his last term as congressman expires in 2019.
On behalf the IA members, President Laguras expressed words of gratitude to Cong. Yap and RM Membreve for working hard to realize their request.
She also assured the dignitaries present that they will sincerely take good care of the irrigation system because such project is a blessing from the Almighty Father.
For their part, Provincial, Municipal and Barangay officials present have expressed words of joy and swore continued support to the plans and projects of the NIA in their jurisdiction.
The Loboc Groundwater Pump Irrigation System extension project will cater the five (5) hectares service areas of Barangay Oy, Loboc that has one hundred twenty two (122) strong IA members.
The said project was undertaken through the force account works that amounted six hundred twenty five thousand pesos (P625,000). It was supervised by Engr. Edilberto B. Evardo as Project In-Charge and Gerald A. Odtohan as Institutional Development Officer (IDO) from the Bohol Irrigation Management Office.