DBM allots P8-B funds for disaster preps

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has allocated P8.1 billion worth of funds for flood control and irrigation projects of the national government. 

In a statement, the DBM said funds for the following are now available:

• Flood management master plan for Metro Manila and surrounding areas (P5 billion)
• Angat Dam and Dike Project (P1.8 billion)
• Umayam River Irrigation Project (P390.1 million)
• Second phase of the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project (P391.35 million)
• Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project Irrigation Component (P483.6 million)

Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said the funds will be charged against overall savings generated by the national government during fiscal years 2011 and 2012.

The flood management master plan will cover 15 flood-control projects to be undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). 

“The DPWH has been tasked to lay down the proper infrastructure to mitigate flooding in Metro Manila and other affected areas around the city. With the necessary funds already at their disposal, the agency can take advantage of the good weather ahead and fast-track the implementation of these projects, long before the rainy season sets in,” Abad said. 

The DBM has also released P1.8 billion to the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for the strengthening of the Angat Dam and Dike Project. This will help ensure the safety of the dam against the impact of disasters and calamities.

Under the project, MWSS will rehabilitate the dam through proper contingency measures and the formulation of a long-term strengthening and stabilization scheme for the structures.

Abad also said the DBM has released P1.3 billion for irrigation projects of the National Irrigation Administration. 

“The Aquino administration is set on making the most of our agricultural industry and establishing complete food self-sufficiency for the country this year. The continued implementation of these irrigation projects will be critical not just in sustaining the productivity of the country’s agricultural lands, but also in stimulating economic growth among our local farming communities,” Abad said. 

The Umayam River Irrigation Project is an overflow diversion dam across the Umayam River in Agusan del Sur. The funds for the project will be used to construct 72 kilometers of irrigation canals in the area, as well as on-farm facilities, drainage canals, and project office facilities.

The DBM said the project is expected to provide year-round irrigation to 6,729 hectares of non-irrigated agricultural lands and benefit 2,125 farming households.

The Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project, located in North Cotabato, will divert the irrigation water supply from Maridagao River to the main canal and lateral canals serving the lower Malitubog and Pagalungan areas.

It is expected to benefit at least 3,504 farming households.

The second phase of the Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project Irrigation Component, located in Nueva Ecija, will benefit a total of 36,900 farmers. It will involve the expansion and upgrading of existing irrigation facilities in the area. – Rappler.com