Construction afoot for P664.75-million Bayuyan SRIP

By Danielle Parian-Pijuan

Bayuyan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) officially started its construction as NIA Acting Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen led the Groundbreaking and Capsule-Laying Ceremony of the project on March 16, 2023 at the Gatekeeper’s Quarters, Barangay Bayuyan, President Roxas, Capiz.

The project sets to complete in December 2025 and shall benefit 540 farmers covering 594 hectares of farmland within Barangay Bayuyan, Badiangon, Culilang, Goce, Carmencita, Cubay, Ibaca, and Sto. Niño all within the Municipality of President Roxas.

Bayuyan SRIP is the biggest irrigation project of the NIA in the Province of Capiz, which shall provide year-round irrigation and opportunities for agro-tourism and aquaculture development. Other incidental benefits include flood control and environmental and watershed management programs.

In his message, Administrator Guillen solicited the support of all stakeholders toward the success of the project. He emphasized that the project reflects the undying commitment of NIA to fast-track irrigation development and to uplift the lives of greater Filipino farmers.

“Ang Bayuyan SRIP ay sumasalamin sa patuloy na pagseserbisyo ng NIA sa ating mga magsasakang Capiznon. Dalawa po ang misyon ng NIA: ang makapagbigay ng mahusay na serbisyo-patubig at maiangat ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka. Kung tayo po ay magtutulungan, wala pong imposible”, Administrator Guillen said.

Capiz Provincial Governor Hon. Fredenil H. Castro graced the event together with the Mayor of President Roxas Hon. Receliste Esculin and the representative of Capiz 1st Congressional District Representative Hon. Emmanuel Billones.

“Ipinahayag kanina na ang proyektong ito ang pinakamalaki sa probinsya ng Capiz. Ako ay naniniwala pero hindi yung proyekto mismo ang pinakamalaki. Ang pinakamalaki dito ay ang pagmamahal ng administrasyon ng NIA at administrasyon ni President Marcos na makagugol ng sapat na halaga upang ang proyektong makikita natin ay mapakinabangan ng ating mga magasasaka.”, said Governor Castro.

Present during the event were NIA Deputy Administrator for Engineering and Operations Sector Engr. C’zar M. Sulaik, NIA Region VI Manager Engr. Rory F. Avance, JRMP-II Project Manager Engr. Jonel B. Bores, Aklan-Capiz Irrigation Management Office Division Manager Engr. Raymond B. Mojares, representatives from different National Government Agencies, and Local Government Units, NIA regional employees, Irrigators Association (IA) officers and members, farmers, and media partners.