The three congressmen of Negros Oriental are asking the National Irrigation Administration Board, through Secretary Proceso Alcala of the Department of Agriculture, to establish an Irrigation Management Office in the province to cater to the needs of farmers.

Rep. George Arnaiz (Neg. Or., 2nd District) said he, and Reps. Henry Pryde Teves (3rd District) and Jocelyn Limkaichong (1st District), believe that the putting up of an IMO in the province will cut down government red tape.

The present set up of the provincial NIA is to report directly to its regional office in Bohol, and this is not beneficial to Negros Oriental as the province may not get a fair share of the budget, Arnaiz added.

Programs and projects are also channeled first to the regional office, and might not reach Negros Oriental, he said.

An IMO in Negros Oriental, will mean that the provincial NIA will have its own budget and this will speed up the agency's functions in providing efficient irrigation services to the farmers, Arnaiz added.

Alcala, who visited the province, took note of the request in his meeting with the three solons, mayors and other local officials recently. Alcala, who is chair of the NIA Board, said he will refer the request to the agency.*JFP

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