The National Irrigation Administration in the Caraga Region (NIA-13) turned over a PHP30-million irrigation project to farmers in a far-flung village in Surigao del Sur province on Thursday.

NIA Surigao del Sur (NIA-SDS) Manager Adeline H. Manlunas led the handing over of the Hamiguitan Small Irrigation Project (SIP) to Alejandro Asubar, the president of Hamiguitan Farmers Irrigators Association, Inc. (HAFIA) in Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel town.

“The project will directly benefit the 69 members of HAFIA who are rice farmers in Sitio Hamiguitan and other farmers in the neighboring areas,” NIA-13 said in a statement Friday.

NIA-13 said the project could irrigate around 80 hectares of rice farms. It included the development of the water source, construction of a small dam, and canal structures.

The SIP is seen to kickstart the progress of rice harvests in Sitio Hamiguitan and the nearby areas.

Asubar, speaking on behalf of the farmers, expressed gratitude to the government for the project.

“On our part, we will effectively manage and maintain this irrigation facility for the benefit of the future generation of rice farmers in our community,” he said. (PNA)