MANGATAREM, Pangasinan — Ensuring a steady supply of irrigation water for farmers took center stage as government officials and representatives of seven irrigators’ associations inspected Pacalat Dam in Mangatarem, Pangasinan and discussed concerns affecting water delivery to farming communities.
For farmers, reliable irrigation means productive fields, better crop yields, and protected livelihoods. Keeping irrigation facilities in good working conditions is therefore critical to sustaining agricultural production in Mangatarem.
The inspection brought together Pangasinan Rep. Mark O. Cojuangco, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Pangasinan Irrigation Management Office Division (PIMO) Manager John N. Molano, municipal government representatives and leaders of seven Barangay Irrigators Associations.
Discussions focused on the dam’s condition, its role in agricultural productivity and irrigation concerns requiring coordinated action by government agencies and local communities.
The participation of the seven irrigators’ associations underscored the importance of farmers’ voices in identifying problems, raising community needs, and helping shape solutions. Closer coordination among farmer-beneficiaries, NIA and the local government is essential to keeping irrigation systems functional and water flowing to farmlands.
NIA-PIMO continues to work with local officials and irrigators’ associations to support the maintenance and improvement of irrigation facilities.
NIA Region 1 regional manager, Geffrey B. Catulin, emphasized that sustained attention to irrigation infrastructure is vital to keeping Mangatarem’s farms productive, strengthening agricultural communities and safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods. — Artemio A. Dumlao