May 28, 2024 - The NIA Regional Office VI attended the 2nd Quarter Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) Meeting to present the status of the Feasibility Study and Detailed Engineering Design of the Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project (PRBIDP) at the Municipal Hall of Tapaz, Capiz.
Acting Regional Manager of NIA VI Engr. Jonel B. Borres is at the forefront of the presentation, highlighting the significance of the Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project (PRBIDP) to the National Government, NIA top management, and the Province of Capiz, it is why the office fast tracks its implementation. Public Relations Officer A Ms. Danielle P. Pijuan presented the updates on the status of the Feasibility Study and Detailed Engineering Design of the project and the concerns that need assistance from the LGU and partner agencies.
Tapaz Mayor Hon. Roberto O. Palomar sees the project as a valuable opportunity for the whole Province of Capiz to become a self-sufficient rice-producing province that would be able to supply rice to the different provinces in Western Visayas. He also emphasized that the bottom line of the project and cooperation from partner agencies is to bring greater good for the public, and the local government unit of Tapaz, Capiz will actively support it.
Regional Executive Director (RED) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Mr. Livino B. Duran expressed his interest and support in the hydropower component, irrigation, livelihood opportunities, and other benefits that the project would bring. Additionally, RED Duran wants to validate the final maps of the project, so DENR can also start working on the reserved area and process the approval.
The Protected Area Management Board, the Philippine Army, DENR, the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, CaPENRO, Department of Agrarian Reform, and the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office were also present to state their concerns about the project and express their support. ARM Engr. Borres addressed all of them with viable action plans for the next steps.
As the National Irrigation Administration forwards projects that would bring agricultural sustainability to the country, it recognizes the importance of close coordination with partner agencies to actualize them. Once implemented, the PRBIDP shall be the largest irrigation development project in Western Visayas.
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