NIA to invest P97-M in the restoration of Libungan river irrigation systems dam

By Danilo Doguiles

Project Engineer, Engr. Danilo Largo, explains the construction works for the restoration of the LIBRIS dam. NIA-LIBRIS has earmarked P97M to repair the dam.

LIBUNGAN, Cotabato Province (PIA) — A P97-million infrastructure restoration project is set to be implemented for the Libungan River Irrigation Systems (LIBRIS), the National Irrigation Administration-Cotabato Management Office (Cotabato IMO), announced.

NIA-CIMO-LIBRIS recently gathered 27 irrigators’ associations, contractors, officials of the Municipal Engineering Office, and the officials of Barangay Barongis for a pre-construction conference to discuss the upcoming repair project for LIBRIS’ main diversion dam apron.

“The objective was to ensure understanding, effective collaboration, and coordination in the repair process, safeguarding the vital irrigation infrastructure that supports agricultural activities in the municipalities of Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Libungan in Cotabato Province, and Northern Kabuntalan in Maguindanao del Norte,” the Cotabato IMO stated in an after-activity report.

The main diversion dam in LIBRIS plays a vital role in managing the water supply for irrigation purposes, serving as a primary control structure that directs water from the Libungan River into the irrigation system covering four municipalities.

This infrastructure enables farmers to efficiently irrigate their fields, ensuring optimal crop growth and productivity. Thus, any damage or disruption to the main diversion dam can significantly impact the livelihoods of the local farming community, the report continues.

During the meeting, representatives of project contractors, Sunstone Construction and Supply and Silver Road Construction, provided inputs regarding the most feasible and efficient approach for repairing the main diversion dam apron while Libungan Municipal Engineer Jerry Licayan explained safety standards and regulatory requirements that should comply with the implementation of the project.

Meanwhile, Engr. Danilo Largo, project-in-charge, assured affected farmers that farming activities in LIBRIS will not be hampered since the repair works will focus on the lower portion of the dam, ensuring an uninterrupted water supply.

NIA-LIBRIS covers an area of 10,642.58 hectares and serves 8,255 farmers. (NIA-RXII)