₱30M released for Chico River dredging in Kalinga; DPWH says project to boost irrigation, curb flooding and riverbank erosion

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Nearly ₱30 million has been released to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH)-Cordillera to begin the dredging of the Chico River near the Upper Chico River Irrigation System (UCRIS) Diversion Dam, a project expected to improve irrigation, reduce flooding, prevent riverbank erosion, and protect nearby infrastructure.

The operational fund will cover fuel requirements and the wages of equipment operators who will carry out the dredging activities.

The project was presented during the Provincial Government of Kalinga's Kapehan meeting on Monday, July 6, where DPWH-CAR Equipment Management Division Chief Engr. Frederick Malidom said the timing is ideal because the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is simultaneously undertaking desilting works at the UCRIS Diversion Dam.

He said the simultaneous implementation of both projects is expected to significantly improve irrigation services for farmers across Kalinga.

Malidom also announced that the operational fund has already been released, allowing the DPWH-CAR to begin the project once coordination with the Provincial Government, the City Government of Tabuk, and other concerned agencies is completed.

He added that additional funding may still be requested should the initial allocation prove insufficient during actual operations.

"... It is also timely that the NIA has produced the descent of that dam. For your information, the fund was released to us to move the operation. So dun po nagsimula, kaya we are happy to inform this body that with the proper coordination with the provincial government and city of Tabuk, we will proceed with the project…and of course with the proper coordination with our counterpart agencies like the DENR and CENRO, and others…The operational fund released to us is almost 30 million, which will cover the fuel and the wages of our operators. After we calculate that amount, we can obviously request augmentation," said Malidom.

Temporary spoil site remains biggest challenge

Despite the availability of funds, Malidom said the agency's immediate challenge is identifying a temporary spoil site where sand, gravel, and other materials dredged from the river can be stockpiled.

He explained that DPWH's responsibility is limited to extracting the sediments and placing them in a temporary storage area. Once a spoil site has been identified, the materials may be turned over to the Provincial Government, which may use them for road improvement projects or other government infrastructure works. Some of the materials may also be sold if permitted under existing government regulations.

"Our main problem really is the spoil site. We want to inform this body that at present we are still looking for a possible temporary spoil site so we can put the extractive materials. And we also want that after we identify this spoil site, we will now turn it over to the local government, particularly the provincial government. If we could utilize those spoils or those rich materials more, it might be for road improvement or for commercial use…But the function of the DPWH is just to extract the materials and put them in a temporary sports site…It entails a lot of personnel also to monitor the transfer of the materials to other purposes,” Malidom added.

He said dredging operations will commence as soon as a suitable temporary spoil site has been identified and secured.

Restoring river flow, protecting farms and communities

According to Malidom, the project is intended not only to improve irrigation but also to restore the Chico River's natural flow and minimize hazards affecting nearby communities.

Over the years, large volumes of sand and other sediments have accumulated near the UCRIS Diversion Dam, restricting the normal flow of the river, reducing the volume of water reaching the irrigation system, and accelerating erosion along the riverbanks.

By removing these sediments, DPWH expects to restore the river's capacity, allowing more water to reach thousands of hectares of farmlands served by UCRIS. The project is also expected to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rains by improving water flow while protecting nearby roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure from further erosion.

UCRIS is one of Kalinga's largest irrigation systems and supplies water to thousands of hectares of rice fields across the province.

Kapehan body creates task force

Following the presentation, the Kapehan body, led by Governor James S. Edduba, unanimously agreed to create a task force that will identify suitable stockpiling areas for the dredged materials.

Once completed, the dredging project is expected to improve the efficiency of the UCRIS, ensure a more reliable water supply for farmers, and strengthen flood and erosion protection for communities and infrastructure along the Chico River.

For residents and farmers, the project offers the prospect of a more dependable irrigation system, particularly during the dry season, while helping reduce the risks of flooding, riverbank erosion, and crop damage during periods of heavy rainfall.