November 28, 2023 - NIA Region VI, being led by its Acting Regional Manager Engr. Jonel B. Borres, conducted a coordination meeting with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Region VI for the Panay River Basin Integrated Development Project (PRBIP).
DAR VI Regional Director Atty. Sheila B. Enciso and DAR VI Assistant Regional Director Lucrecia Taberna were present to discuss the updates of PRBIDP and how the DAR will be able to assist NIA in the preparations and implementation of the project. NIA Regional Office VI, Aklan-Capiz IMO Staff, and JRMP II personnel were also present for the said meeting.
Engr. Borres emphasized the significance of PRBIDP in addressing agricultural needs in the province of Capiz, especially the provision of sustainable irrigation water to increase agricultural production for food security. He also highlighted the flood mitigation benefit of the project, wherein, its floodway component may address flooding problem brought by torrential rains in the Province of Capiz that greatly affects agricultural lands and the production of farmers.
RD Enciso expressed her gratitude in the openness and willingness of NIA to continue their partnership. She stated that DAR has always been supportive of the projects of NIA and that they are always willing to provide any assistance, which may help to ensure the smooth implementation of PRBIDP and in securing food security as a whole.
Additionally, RD Enciso requests NIA to help them identify the specific lots and list of Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARB) belonging to the barangays covered by the project’s predetermined submerged areas. These ARBs may be subject to Land Acquisition and Resettlement process.
NIA and DAR expressed mutual commitment in pursuing their partnership and providing assistance to between the 2 agencies to promote agricultural development and uplifting the lives of the farmers.
PRBIDP is one of the biggest irrigation projects in Western Visayas, currently in its Detailed Engineering and Design Phase. Once completed and operational, the project shall benefit 25,046 farmers of 26,800 hectares of farmlands and also help improve of the lives of 9,378 Indigenous Peoples households.
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