The Japanese government has funded an irrigation and training project worth US$173,131 or approximately P8,164,165 that would benefit farmers in Nueva Vizcaya.

“Japan believes that there is an urgent need to further strengthen and improve appropriate forest management in this country. We also recognize that the Philippine Government has been dealing with this concern for decades as espoused in its national strategy for sustainable forest management in the Philippines through the Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) Program,” Japan Embassy Counselor Ryoji Noda said.

The project entitled, “Promotion of Participatory Forest Management in the Critical Watershed of Nueva Vizcaya Province,” will be funded under Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).

The irrigation systems are expected to benefit community residents in barangays Tidang, Sinapaoan and Antutot, in the municipalities of Sta. Fe and Kasibu in Nueva Vizcaya.

The project, now on its second phase, will involve the construction of communal irrigation facilities in the target areas, continuation of trainings for selected extension workers or farmer cooperators on organic fertilizer production, efficient use of biological residues and other environmental activities as well as marketing of agricultural and forest products to augment the income of the farmers.

The first phase focused on improving the deteriorating conditions of the communities in Nueva Vizcaya through participatory environmental management by setting up model farms which utilizes environmentally sustainable farming methods, strengthening linkages with local stakeholders and introducing environmental awareness campaigns for the local community.

“In this second year, we believe that these irrigation systems will truly complement the efforts of the participating communities and enhance sustainable forest management in their respective areas. We hope all the stakeholders will make optimal use of these facilities and the participating farmers who underwent trainings under this project will act as catalysts to other farmers. I hope they will continue the dissemination of appropriate technologies and environmental awareness in their respective localities,” Noda said.

He added that the project is expected to “further strengthen the strong ties” between Japan and the Philippines.