256 million irrigation project breaks ground in Cateel

BRGY. ARAGON, CATEEL—The symbolic groundbreaking ceremony of the big ticket Cateel Irrigation Project (CIP) that paved way for its construction which is set to rise in a period of two years. (In the photo) Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon (2^nd from left) who initiated the project. With her are (From left): Hon. Arturo C. Monday, Vice Mayor of Baganga; Engr. Maria Fe Gabonales, MRDP representative; Gaga Espirituoso-Edquila, Department of Agriculture representative; Hon. Camilo T. Nuñez, Mayor LGU Cateel, Hon. Luisito Salomeri, Brgy. Captain of  Brgy. Aragon; and Charlie Ambasan, Tribal Chieftain. Photo by Lester Berganio.


CATEEL, Davao Oriental—The provincial government in joint collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) - Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), and the LGU Cateel celebrated the official groundbreaking of the 256 million worth infrastructure project dubbed as the Cateel Irrigation Project (CIP) last November 18 (Friday) signaling the start of its construction. Initiated by the province, this big-ticket project intends to boost the province’s rice sufficiency.

The Cateel Irrigation Project, a World Bank funded project acquired thru MRDP loan proceeds, DA counterpart, and LGU equity is so far the single biggest project being implemented by the MRDP anticipated to initially benefit 916 farmers in 11 barangays around the municipality covering a total of 1,600 hectares area of influence.

Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon who spearheads the project revealed that an additional 500 hectares of idle lands will be able to access the irrigation system, thus, will also benefit as soon as the project is completed summing up to a total of 2,100 hectares rice plantation to fully operate.

“This will open up more economic opportunities for the people in the municipality boosting the province’s potential in the rice production,” says MRDP representative Engr. Maria Fe Gabonales. 

She further congratulated the provincial government for hitting this important milestone. “This is a monumental undertaking that would greatly help rural farmers. We applaud the province of Davao Oriental under the leadership of Governor Malanyaon in implementing this rural infrastructure project. We in the MRDP consider the implementation of the CIP a monumental and historic feat. Considering that this is the single biggest monumental project implemented by the program. We hope that this is just the beginning of working together, of uplifting more lives and providing better opportunities for the people of Davao Oriental”, says Gabonales.

“The project has incorporated a structural design that will help protect the fish biodiversity of the Cateel River. Let us protect the project as it is our own, let us be diligent in our responsibility in operation and maintenance to ensure that this multi-million project will last for generations”, she added.

The Cateel Irrigation Project initiated by the province of Davao Oriental under the leadership of Governor Malanyaon intends to provide sustainable irrigation water to rice plantations deemed to address the country’s problem in rice insufficiency.

“The dream of the Cateeleños has finally come to reality,” said Governor Malanyaon who brainchild the project upon orientation with the World Bank and the DA in 2008. “This is the reward for those who took the risk and who worked for it and have faith in their capacity to deliver the equity. It was a gamble,” she added.

Located at Barangay Aragon in Cateel, the soon-to-rise 5.5 meter-high ogee type diversion dam and the irrigation system itself is estimated to be completed in the next two years of construction that will include diversion works, canalization, and canal structures which has incorporated a structural design that conserves the natural flora and fauna of the water source.

In a period of two years after its completion, the Davao Oriental Irrigation Management Committee to be created by the provincial government will operate the said irrigation system before turning over to the Cateel Irrigator’s Association.

The dream of the Cateeleños has finally come to reality,” said Governor Malanyaon who brainchild the project.      

The Cateel River which is a huge water reserve will be tapped channeling its flow to the rice plantations. Based on a report from the MRDP, the cropping intensity will increase by two to three times per year and production per unit area from three tons to seven tons or more. An increase of the province’s rice sufficiency level is also projected to rise from 14% to 20% that in turn would augment farmers’ income. With the anticipated boost in rice sufficiency, Davao Oriental is likely to be the rice granary of the region. 

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the construction, rehabilitation, and improvement of the 15 kilometers Maylaya Sabangan Road Phase 1 (NHJ-Maylaya-Surigaonon-Sabangan Section) in Barangay Malibago, Cateel, Davao Oriental.

This Cateel Irrigation Project is not only the sole project of the MRDP 2 in Davao Oriental. The program has also allocated 450 million for the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) in the province benefiting its nine municipalities and one city.