Submitted by RM Staff on
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 2, in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), spearheaded the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the Ilaguen Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project (IMIPP) on March 7, 2025 held at the Gymnasium, Brgy. Tappa, San Mariano, Isabela.
The IMIPP, located at San Mariano, Isabela, is a proposed infrastructure development project worth of P29-billion and programmed to irrigate 30, 000 hectares of service area. If feasible, the project which encompassing the construction of high dam, 495m of tunnel/cut and cover and network of irrigation and drainage facilities will be implemented on CY 2029. It will also benefit various towns: Benito Soliven, Cauayan City, Naguilian, and Angadanan.
Following a series of productive meetings, consultations, and the meticulous adherence to procedures established by the regulatory bodies, the official signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Indigenous Peoples (IPs)—the Agta—and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 2 has been successfully accomplished. The Agency ensures Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) before conducting a feasibility study since location of the proposed project is within the ancestral domain of the Agta Indigeneous Cultural Communities (ICCs)/IPs of San Mariano. This is NIA's sincere expression of respect to the rights of IPs and local communities who may be affected by the irrigation project. FPIC is an essential process that guarantees that communities are fully informed about the potential impacts of the project, and that their consent is freely given, without coercion or manipulation. With this, NIA promotes transparency, uphold human rights, avoid conflicts, and ensure that the project is more sustainable and respectful of community interests.
NCIP Community Development Officer III Divine M. Lingan-Acoba acknowledged the participants. Barangay Captain of Brgy. Tappa, San Mariano, Isabela Hon. Nelson Pauig appreciates the dedication and relentless efforts of the government agencies in implementing programs to continuously boost agricultural productivity as he welcomes the participants. NCIP Isabela Provincial Officer Anne Marie C. Sugguiyao enumerated how this project can benefit the IPs especially through employment opportunities and capability trainings. Representing NIA, Atty. Virgo M. Gulan and Engr. Emerson Sabo reiterated the commitment of NIA to design and construct irrigation systems to improve the water supply for agricultural lands, enhancing crop production and ensuring food security. Atty. Ladyline M. Ballesteros-Frogoso of NCIP discussed the changes made by both parties prior final draft of MOA. 95th Infantry Battallion Administrative Officer Capt. Amando Tabañag, in his speech, ensures commitment of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to intensify security over government projects.
In attendance also were the NIA Regional Office 2 and Isabela Irrigation Management Office (IMO) personnel.