Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) opened the Bayang-bayang irrigation pipeline system in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.
Located in barangay General Luna, it ensures survival of forest plantations and provides sustainable livelihood to locals.
DENR Regional Executive Director Paquito Moreno Jr. said the P12-million irrigation system would directly benefit about 749 hectares of forest tree, agroforestry and fuelwood plantations jointly managed by Kadangdanglaan Farmers Association, Inc. and Samahang Itinatag Para sa Pangkalikasan at Pang-Agrikulturang Gawain, Inc.
“This new facility will expand developmental activities in our community and establish a greener future for our farmers and our environment. It holds a key in boosting our local economy and ensuring food security,” Moreno emphasized.
For his part, Carranglan Mayor Rogelio Abad thanked DENR and JICA as this would not only strengthen reforestation efforts in the area but also uplift the socio-economic well-being of the community.
Bayang-bayang irrigation pipeline system consists of 14 tanks and one filtration.
It is an agroforestry support facility (ASF) for the 10-year Forestland Management Project (FMP) in the more than 44,000-hectare Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed.
The infrastructure is one of the 13 completed ASFs under FMP in the province.