‘Nu ada ti danom, ada iti namnama’: Kalinga Vice-Gov. Odiem hails inauguration of ₱30.5-M Bulo irrigation project as lifeline for farmers

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — “When there is water, there is hope.” This was the message of Vice Governor Atty. Dave Q. Odiem as he described the newly inaugurated Bulo-Magasusu Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) as a lifeline for farming families in Barangay Bulo, Tabuk City.

Speaking during the inauguration on November 5, 2026, Odiem said the ₱30.5-million project would give farmers a more reliable water supply, allowing them to sustain crop production even during prolonged dry spells caused by El Niño.

“Daytoy nga impounding dam ket saan laeng nga semento nga pagurnungan ti danom nu diket mangted namnama ta umadon to ti apit tayo uray nu kunkunda nga El Niño,” Odiem said.

He emphasized that the facility is more than a structure for storing water, as it gives farmers the opportunity to plant without having to wait for rainfall.

“In times like this, we are reminded of simple truth nga daytoy (SWIP), kas inbagbaga da metlang tatay, nga ti danom ket biag. Nu ada ti danom ada iti namnama. Isunga, daytoy nga project, iti panagmula tayon to, ta ada garud daytoy, ket haan kayon ton nga maladladaw nga agmula,” he added.

Rice farming is among the main sources of livelihood in Barangay Bulo, where families depend on their harvests for food and income. However, insufficient rainfall during dry periods can affect crop production and farmers' earnings.

The ₱30,569,396.93 project is designed to irrigate 85 hectares of farmland and benefit 35 farmers. It also has a 177-hectare watershed and an 18-hectare pond area for water storage.

Funded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) under its Fiscal Year 2024 Locally Funded Project for the Development of Upland Irrigation Systems and Small Water Impounding Projects, the facility was implemented through the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM).

The project can also support fish production. During the inauguration, fingerlings were released into the impounding facility with the assistance of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR)-Kalinga.

Odiem urged residents to protect and maintain the facility so its benefits would extend to future generations.

“So daytoy nga dam ken blessing kanyatayo amin, sunga anadan yo daytoy. Maipamana yon to kadagitoy uubing yo,” he said.

On behalf of the Provincial Government of Kalinga, Odiem thanked the DA and BSWM for investing in the project, which is expected to strengthen the livelihood and food security of farming families in the community.