The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently opened the Bayang-bayang irrigation pipeline system to ensure survival of forest plantations and to provide sustainable livelihood to locals in Barangay General Luna, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija.

 

DENR Regional Executive Director Paquito Moreno, Jr. reported that the P12-million irrigation system would directly benefit 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 said.

 

The irrigation system, composed of 14 tanks and one filtration, is an agroforestry support facility (ASF) for the 10-year Forestland Management Project (FMP) in the more than 44,000-hectare Pantabangan-Carranglan Watershed.

 

For his part, Carranglan Mayor Rogelio Abad expressed his thanks to the DENR and the JICA, noting that this endeavor would not only strengthen reforestation efforts in the area, but would likewise uplift the socio-economic well-being of the local community.

 

The Bayang-bayang irrigation pipeline system is one of the 13 completed ASFs under FMP in Nueva Ecija. (-30-)