VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur — Thousands of farmers in parts of Ilocos Region and Abra are expected to benefit from a P30-billion irrigation project that aims to provide a more reliable water supply to around 14,000 hectares of agricultural land in the three provinces.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Ilocos Region said bidding for the Ilocos Norte-Ilocos Sur-Abra Irrigation Project will start in the third quarter, marking a major step toward the implementation of the flagship project of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.
NIA Regional Manager Geffrey B. Catulin said the project is expected to be awarded by the first quarter of 2027, with the government targeting completion by 2031.
The project is expected to help farmers gain more dependable access to irrigation water, which could support more consistent crop production and reduce their dependence on rainfall, particularly in agricultural areas affected by limited water supply.
Aside from irrigation facilities, the project will include dams, hydropower generators, waterways, a floating solar power system, and other supporting infrastructure. These facilities are intended to form part of an integrated system for water and energy use in the project area.
With an estimated cost of more than P30 billion, the project is expected to expand irrigation coverage and strengthen agricultural infrastructure in the three northern provinces, potentially allowing farmers to cultivate more reliably and improve farm productivity once the system becomes fully operational. — Artemio A. Dumlao