BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur — About 500 cubic meters of silt were removed from the Sibuguey Valley Irrigation System (SVIS), improving water flow and ensuring consistent irrigation across 3,275 hectares of farmland, the National Irrigation Administration-Zamboanga Peninsula said Thursday.
The clearing and desilting operation, which began Sept. 20 and concluded last week, was carried out through a partnership between the NIA-Zamboanga Sibugay Irrigation Management Office and TVI Resource Development (Phils.) Inc. It covered 410 meters of the SVIS main canal in Bayog.
NIA said 1,382 farmers from 15 irrigators’ associations directly benefited from the project.
“The clearing activity was completed efficiently, securing a steady water supply vital for ongoing crop production and farmers’ livelihood,” NIA-Zamboanga Peninsula said in a statement. The agency added that TVIRD provided the heavy equipment and fuel for the operation.
“The agency continues to promote sustainable water management, boost agricultural productivity, and empower farming communities across Zamboanga del Sur,” the statement said.
The operation was supervised by NIA-ZSIMO Acting Division Manager Maria Gertrudes Gania and SVIS Head Wilson Cabrales.
NIA-ZSIMO said it remains committed to delivering reliable irrigation services and upholding its mandate of public service to Filipino farmers.