CANDABA, Pampanga — Vice Gov. Dennis “Delta” Pineda led the inspection of a newly completed irrigation canal project in Barangay Sto. Rosario here on June 2, fulfilling a request from farmers during his incumbency as governor.
Completed at a cost of P3,971,142.58, the 560-meter concrete irrigation canal provides a more efficient and reliable water source for around 100 hectares of agricultural land in the area.
Joining the vice governor at the site were Mayor Rene Maglanque, Vice Mayor Thelma Macapagal, members of the sangguniang bayan, 4th District board member Dr. Kaye Naguit, Capitol executive assistant Angelina Blanco, barangay officials of Sto. Rosario, and representatives of the Ilog Mae Bao Farmers Association headed by chairman Ener Kabigting who made the request for the project in 2024.
Kabigting said the project has greatly improved irrigation for the association’s 30 members, who collectively cultivate 62 hectares of farmland, while also benefiting other farmers in the community.
“Dati, kapag nagpapatubig kami, yung canal lining namin, bago makarating sa area na papatubigan namin, ang laki ng nagagastos namin sa diesel. Ngayon, medyo mabilis na dahil concrete po yung pinagawang canal ni Vice Governor Delta,” Kabigting said, noting that faster flow of water to farmlands reduces fuel consumption and operational costs for farmers while making irrigation more efficient.
The vice governor said agriculture remains among the top priorities of the provincial government under the administration of Gov. Lilia “Nanay” Pineda, recognizing farmers as vital partners in ensuring food security and sustaining Pampanga’s economy.
“Malaking bagay ang maayos na patubig para sa ating mga magsasaka. Kapag mas mabilis at mas maayos ang daloy ng tubig sa kanilang mga sakahan, nababawasan ang kanilang gastos at mas napapadali ang kanilang pagtatanim,” he said. Pampanga PIO/Photos: Kiervin Cunanan, Daniel Ombina