IMPLEMENTATION ON THE REHABILITATION AND PROTECTION OF WATER RESOURCE INTO THE IRRIGATION SYSTEMS OF PANGASINAN

Abstract

This research is about the implementation of rehabilitation and protection of water resource for irrigation system particularly the Dumuloc River Irrigation System and Dumuloc Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Bugallon covering eight irrigation associations. The respondents of this study are the officers of these irrigation associations and the National Irrigation Administration. The irrigators associations are categorized as national irrigation system. NIA employees and IA officers generally perceived high accomplishment on goals of rehabilitation and protection of water resource into the irrigation system in terms of level of accomplishment of goas of the project, and the level of performance of duties of NIA on rehabilitation of water resource. IA and NIA indicate high and very high performance of duties of the DENR on assisting NIA in identification of irrigation projects. IA and NIA officers indicate high satisfaction for the duties of NIA on assisting the DENR in the preparation and implementation of integrated watershed management plans and programs and on duties of DENR-FMB on confiscation and take custody of forest products illegally cut or collected. The respondents have issues on increase variability and uncertainty of water availability, increase risk of droughts and floods, inadequate water supply, and vested interest and political interference.  The remedies that are deemed most important by the respondents are participation of IA in monitoring of construction work, and continued irrigation research.

It recommended that DENR should deputize NIA field personnel as environment and natural resource officers to perform duties and responsibilities in the rehabilitation and protection of water resource. There should be sustainable collaboration between DENR-FMB with NIA for efficient and effective implementation of rehabilitation and protection of water resource in the irrigation system, It is also recommended to participate the IAs in monitoring of construction of irrigation facilities and NIA should conduct research and monitoring activities of ongoing and completed irrigation and watershed projects to lessen the concerns of IAs on water sources due to droughts and climate change.