Philippines to start Chico River irrigation project in 2012

The Philippines Government is to start the construction of the Chico River Pump Irrigation Project next year.

The PHP2.3bn ($53m) project will provide water services to an estimated area of 87km² in the Cagayan and Kalinga provinces of the Philippines.

The project involves the construction of a pumping station, main canal, lateral and sub-lateral canals, and main and supplementary farm ditches.

Operation and maintenance of roads, drainage canals, sub-station and transmission lines to provide a year-round irrigation water supply will also be carried out.

The irrigation project will be located on the Kalinga side in Pinukpuk, and will source water from the Chico River to irrigate the areas of Tuao East, Piat and Pinococ.