9 major irrigation systems in Eastern Visayas below normal water levels, says NIA

TACLOBAN CITY—Nine of 11 major irrigation systems monitored by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Eastern Visayas have recorded below-normal water levels, prompting the agency to adjust water delivery schedules to farmers.

In an advisory issued on Sept. 11, the NIA said the declining water levels were brought about by the prevailing weather conditions and appealed to farmers served by the affected irrigation systems to cooperate with the adjusted irrigation schedules.

The agency said the measure was necessary to ensure that the available water supply would be distributed efficiently and reach as many rice fields as possible.

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The nine irrigation systems classified by the NIA as “below normal” are the Malirong Dam in Palo, Tibak Dam in Sta. Fe, Guinarona Dam in Dagami, Marabong Dam in Burauen, Mainit River in Alangalang, Pongso River in Barugo, and Bao River in Kananga, all in Leyte; and the Calbiga River in Calbiga and Basey Irrigation System in Basey, both in Samar.

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Among the affected systems, the Mainit River registered one of the largest gaps from its normal level, with its current reading at 48 centimeters (cm) compared with the normal 70 cm.

The Bao River in Kananga also recorded a substantial decline, with a current level of 38 cm compared with its normal 70 cm.

The other systems showed smaller but still below-normal readings. The Malirong Dam recorded 19.15 cm, compared with its normal level of 19.45 cm; Tibak Dam, 19.50 cm from 19.85 cm; Guinarona Dam, 37.28 cm from 37.30 cm; Marabong River, 59.98 cm from 60 cm; Pongso River, 94 cm from 100 cm; Calbiga River, 65 cm from 73 cm; and the Basey Irrigation System, 39.79 cm from 40.31 cm.

Only two of the 11 major irrigation systems monitored by the NIA remained under the normal category.

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Adjusted delivery

These are the Daguitan River in Julita, Leyte, with a current reading of 102.19 cm, and the Das-ay River in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, at 66.03 cm.

The NIA, however, said water delivery schedules have been adjusted in response to the overall water situation.

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The agency urged farmers in affected areas to strictly follow their designated irrigation schedules and avoid diverting or using water outside their assigned periods.

The NIA’s system water resources and field teams, water resources field operations, irrigation development offices and Irrigators’ Associations are working together to implement the adjusted schedules.

The coordinated effort is intended to make the most of the limited water supply and ensure that irrigation water reaches rice fields within the systems’ service areas.

The declining water levels are also being monitored amid prolonged dry conditions affecting parts of Eastern Visayas, where farmers in several areas have already reported the effects of inadequate rainfall on agricultural production.

For irrigation-dependent farms, sustained dry weather can reduce water inflows into rivers, reservoirs and irrigation facilities, increasing pressure on available supplies during the cropping season.

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The NIA said farmer cooperation in following the adjusted schedules would be crucial in ensuring the equitable distribution of the remaining irrigation water. INQ