July 4, 2024 - The Lus-onan Pump Irrigation Communal Project (PCIP) officially blessed its two pump sites and IA Office and turned them over to Lus-onan IA, Inc. The event was the culmination of collaborative efforts between the Barangay and Municipal Local Government Units (BLGU and MLGU), the Irrigators’ Association, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region VI, Aklan-Capiz IMO, and the farmer-beneficiaries of Lus-onan, Panay, Capiz.
The ceremony was graced by the presence of notable figures including Acting Regional Manager of NIA-Region VI, Engr. Jonel B. Borres; Division Manager of NIA-Aklan-Capiz IMO, Engr. Raymond B. Mojares; Municipal Mayor of Panay, Hon. Vicente B. Bermejo; former Mayor Dante B. Bermejo; Barangay Captain Jorgie D. Dice; and Lus-onan IA, Inc. President, Mr. Melchor Baguioro.
On July 2, 2024, the Lus-onan PCIP conducted its project test run with the presence of personnel from the Municipality of Panay, Capiz, including Ms. Sarah Jane Gerly J. Marfil, Mr. Renante A. Esquillo, and barangay officials; Lus-onan IA, Inc. President, Mr. Melchor Baguioro; and NIA-ACIMO personnel. They witnessed the project's readiness for turnover, which can irrigate 185 hectares of riceland for 120 farmer-beneficiaries.
The event began with a blessing ceremony, officiated by Rev. Fr. Jehu Jireh B. Buenvenida, who blessed the irrigation facilities (Pump Sites #1 and #2) and the IA Office, praying for the project's success. This was followed by the Turnover Ceremony.
Engr. Borres emphasized the National Irrigation Administration's eagerness to provide more future projects to continually support the farmer-beneficiaries of Lus-onan. He also promised a more sustainable and reliable future water source from the Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project (PRBIDP). "The Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project is designed to offer our farmers a sustainable and efficient water supply, enabling them to cultivate up to three crops annually. This will also benefit the farmland of Lus-onan, Panay, Capiz," he stated.
In his speech, Engr. Mojares expressed gratitude for the coordination among the beneficiaries, the local government, and the active support of the NIA-Region VI Acting Regional Manager, which was crucial in realizing and completing the project. "These pumps have helped our local farmers maintain their 100 hectares of agricultural production during the El Niño," he said.
The Lus-onan PCIP aims to boost crop production, improve food security, and enhance the livelihoods of local farmers, in line with the priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos and NIA Administrator Engr. Eddie Guillen. The blessing and turnover of the Lus-onan Pump Irrigation Communal Project marks the start of a new era in Panay's farming industry. With better water accessibility and advanced farming practices, the community is prepared for increasing production and prosperity in the coming years.
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