Bohol water cistern irrigation project to cushion Covid-19 impact

THE PROVINCIAL  government of Bohol is now embarking into a people-initiated short-period irrigation project that will give an immediate impact on the residents affected by the strict quarantine protocol in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).   

Governor Arthur Yap said on Tuesday that the provincial government is looking for short-gestating projects such as their 4,000-liter water cistern irrigation project, noting that the usual economic trend anchored on tourism might take about two years to get back on track.

Yap discussed with Regional Director Wilson Lopez, of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)-Central Visayas, the water project as a short-gestating undertaking that will address the problem of farmers.

The governor wanted the barangays to start with their respective water projects so that there would be results before the year ends.

Accordingly, the provincial government has designed a 4,000-liter water cistern for each barangay.

Any village that could complete the project would qualify for a 2,000-square-meter vegetable garden from the provincial government.

Individuals who would help in the construction of the water projects and the vegetable garden will also get a food voucher.

“We cannot give you a 2,000-square-meter vegetable garden for your food security if you don’t have a water source. But if you can finish your water project, we will give you; and there, you can plant in 25 days, pechay, in 25 days, kangkong, in 30 days, lechugas (lettuce), minimum in one month,” Yap said, adding that the project can help in achieving food security down to village level.

He said he conveyed his plan to Agriculture Secretary William Dar through Zoom online conversation.

He said Dar welcomed his concept in assisting the farmers, fisher folk, and small businesses such as those micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in acquiring loans at zero percent interest and payment grace period of two years or more.

Dar, he said, vowed to help and asked for a letter so that the Bohol project can be included in the program of the Department of Agriculture–Agricultural Credit Policy Council (DA-ACPC).

Yap said the DA chief told him about the DA-ACPC that has a PHP2.5-million program for farmers and fisherfolk where they can avail of a loan of up to PHP25,000 at zero percent interest, payable in 10 years.

Under the program, the MSMEs can also avail of a loan of up to PHP10 million at zero percent interest, payable in five years