NIA Completes P61-M Irrigation Projects to Boost Farm Productivity in Albay

AGRI-NEWS | Farming Posted on 2026-07-08 09:54:14

LEGAZPI CITY – More than 800 farmers in Albay are expected to benefit from improved irrigation services following the completion of five irrigation projects worth PHP61 million by the National Irrigation Administration-Bicol Region (NIA-5).

The newly completed projects will provide a more reliable water supply to 688.93 hectares of agricultural land, benefiting 831 farmers and helping increase crop production while reducing the risk of losses caused by insufficient rainfall.

NIA-5 spokesperson Ma. Cleofe Baraero said dependable irrigation is essential to sustaining agricultural productivity, particularly as farmers face the growing challenges brought about by climate change.

"Reliable irrigation gives farmers a steady water supply even when rainfall is insufficient, helping protect crops, increase production, and reduce the risk of crop losses. Investing in irrigation supports sustainable agriculture and strengthens the livelihoods of farming communities," Baraero said in an interview Tuesday.

The five irrigation systems were turned over to their respective irrigators' associations on June 30 under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program–Irrigation Component (CARP-IC).

The completed projects include the repair and rehabilitation of the Estancia-Labnig and Burabod-Jonop Communal Irrigation Systems in Malinao, as well as irrigation systems in Bayandong in Bacacay, Balasbas in Manito, and Banquerohan in Legazpi City.

Baraero said the CARP-Irrigation Component remains one of the government's key support services for agrarian reform beneficiaries, enabling them to maximize the productivity of lands awarded under the agrarian reform program.

She added that NIA is preparing additional irrigation projects across the Bicol Region, with priority given to rehabilitating existing systems damaged by natural disasters, subject to the availability of government funding.

Meanwhile, NIA is also set to begin the construction of the PHP3.5-million Albay-Catanduanes Irrigation Management Office in Ligao City. The facility, which is expected to be completed within one year after the issuance of a notice to proceed, will strengthen irrigation management and improve service delivery in both Albay and Catanduanes.

According to Baraero, the new office will provide a more efficient workplace for personnel while enhancing coordination, planning, monitoring, and maintenance of irrigation systems, allowing the agency to respond more quickly to the needs of farmers and irrigators' associations.

NPO NEWS TEAM | PNA-PR

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