DA-NIA to help repair Bulo Dam in Bulacan

The Department of Agriculture through the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will help repair Bulo Dam (foreground), along Malibay River, in San Miguel, Bulacan, that was damaged by floodwaters due to typhoon ‘Pedring’ last September.

Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala visited the site November 9, leading a group of Bulacan local officials, led by 3rd District Representative Jonjon Mendoza, NIA officials led by administrator Antonio Nangel, and DA regional officials led by Director Andrew Villacorta. Under a scorching sun, the group trekked a makeshift footbridge and travelled through 2.4-kilometer of rough barangay road.

Secretary Alcala said the DA-NIA headed by Administrator Antonio Nangel of will initially conduct a topographic and hydrologic survey that will take four months, and thereafter come up with the appropriate design and estimated project cost.

It will collaborate with the Provincial Government of Bulacan, and departments of public works and highways (DPWH) and environment and natural resources (DENR) to construct the dam which may take two to three years to complete, according to NIA administrator Nangel.

The Bulo Dam serves 20 barangays in Bulacan, benefiting thousands of rice farmers and their families.

After inspecting Bulo Dam, Secretary Alcala presided over a farmers’ forum at the residence of Rep Mendoza, attended by about 500 farmers and local officials, led by San Miguel Mayor Roderick Tiongson.

After resolving their concerns and requests for assistance, Secretrary Alcala raffled off to lucky participants several units of farm equipment that included hand tractors with trailers, carabaos with farm implements, and water pump engine sets for shallow tubewells. DA