by Peter A. Balocnit

TABUK, Kalinga (2 October) -- The agriculture sector here where the local economy leans on for strength will benefit most from various infrastructure projects being worked out by local stakeholders with foreign financial donors.

Irrigation Superintendent Engr. John Socalo of the Kalinga Provincial Irrigation Management Office (KaPIMO) reported the total rehabilitation of irrigation systems will boost palay production in the country. He said the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) submitted to World Bank a P250 million proposed funding for the rehabilitation of ten irrigation systems.

He said the Chico River Irrigation System (CRIS) is one of the systems where this proposed loan package from World Bank will be spent. He is optimistic the funding agency will approve this proposal which was endorsed by the Regional Development Council.

On the other hand, the Provincial Office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) here is eying another development partnership with Japan. This time, DAR is asking the Japan for International Cooperation Agency (JICA) another P30 million for the improvement of the Mabaca-Taloctoc farm to market road, and road opening towards other barangays in Tanudan and repair of communal irrigation systems in the area.

Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer Victoriano Laguinday reported their office submitted a proposal for an Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project III for the completion of a road network to Tanudan.

North Luzon Super Region Development Champion Arthur Yap, during his consultation with local officials in Luzon provinces, said that sustaining infrastructure support facilities for agriculture development is vital for the realization of the goals outlined in the Luzon Agri-business Growth Corridor covering Cordillera, Regions 1 and III and some parts of Region 3.