TARLAC CITY (PIA) — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has continued its push for the completion and full implementation of the Balog-Balog Multipurpose Project (BBMP) Phase II by 2029, aiming to expand irrigation coverage to 34,410 hectares of farmland in Tarlac.
NIA Administrator Eduardo Eddie Guillen said Phase I of the BBMP focused on restoring and improving existing irrigation systems, irrigating only 12, 475 hectares which led to the implementation of BBMP Phase II.
“Kaya tayo nagtatayo ng high dam dahil kulang ang tubig ng run-of-the-river lang natin na patubig. Kung may high dam po tayo, kaya niyang magpatubig ng mahigit 30,000 hectares (We are building a high dam because the water from run-of-the-river irrigation is not enough. With the high dam, we can irrigate over 30,000 hectares),” he said.
With a funding of P18 Billion, BBMP Phase II involved the construction of the Balog-Balog Dam in Barangay Maamot in San Jose, Tarlac which is targeted to provide year-round irrigation and increase cropping opportunities for around 21,000 farmers in the province.
Guilen also noted that the multipurpose project will support flood control, hydropower generation, and tourism in Tarlac.
During a study visit organized by NIA, Senate Committee on Finance Chairperson Sherwin Gatchalian stressed the importance of funding the project, emphasizing its role in ensuring continuous income for farmers.
“Pangako ko naman na tutulungan ko po ang NIA na masigurong matapos itong project na ito (I promise to support NIA in ensuring the completion of this project),” Gatchalian said.
Meanwhile, with the Balog-Balog Dam located near Indigenous Peoples (IPs) communities, Gatchalian underscored the importance of assuring the welfare of affected residents.
To ensure their welfare, Gatchalian encouraged IP members to participate in the project’s technical working group to voice their concerns including housing, livelihood, and their welfare.
Once implemented, the multipurpose project is expected to provide reliable support for the agricultural, social, and tourism development of the province. (CLJD/AJRR, PIA Region 3-Tarlac)
