NEDA okays P7-billion irrigation project for inclusion in Japan ODA list

MANILA, Philippines - A P7-billion irrigation project in Mindanao proposed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) has been confirmed by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for possible funding by the Japanese government under its official development assistance (ODA) package for the Philippines.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the Malitubog-Maridagao irrigation project (MMIP) stage II, was confirmed last Dec. 20 for inclusion in a list of NEDA project proposals to be submitted to the Japanese International Cooperation Agency.

The MMIP has three components – irrigation, agriculture and social development.

The target areas of MMIP are Region 12 and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. The program covers 45 barangays in the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen and Pikit in Cotabato; and 11 barangays in the municipalities of Pagalungan and Datu Montawal in Maguindanao.

Alcala said the goal of MMIP is to reduce poverty through sustainable agriculture and social development and contribute to sustaining peace in Cotabato and Maguindanao.

Specific objectives of the project are to increase rice production and productivity; to increase household income; to improve access to basic social services; to contribute to ensuring food sufficiency; to improve institutional effectiveness through partnership with local LGUs, and to advocate for peace in the project area.

Under the irrigation component, the MMIP would construct new facilities at upper Malitubog (covering 2,206 hectares), lower Malitubog (covering 6,509 hectares) and Pagalungan (covering 988 hectares).

The agriculture component involves the provision of pilot demonstration farms and seed production farms, farm inputs, production post-harvest equipment and marketing assistance.

The social component will include construction of potable water supply facilities, school classrooms, barangay health stations, day care centers and farm-to-market roads.

Of the estimated total project cost of P7 billion, the Philippine government is hoping the Japan will agree to finance up to P5.07 billion, with the Philippines putting in a counterpart financing of P1.93 billion.

Project completion is estimated to take five years, including two years of preparation and three years of construction.