In a significant move to bolster agricultural development and community resilience, officials from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Philippine Army conducted a joint inspection of potential water sources in a remote Sulu village.
Joint Mission for Sustainable Water
The collaborative activity took place on Wednesday, January 14, in Timpook village, Patikul, Sulu. The team was spearheaded by Engineer Robert Berni Rada II, head of NIA-Zamboanga Peninsula, and Brigadier General Emmanuel Cabasan, commander of the Army's 1103rd Infantry "Kalis" Brigade (1103Bde).
Their primary objective was to evaluate viable water sources and identify potential projects to ensure a sustainable water supply for farming and daily use in the area. The 1103Bde stated that the visitation was crucial for supporting long-term agricultural growth and improving the quality of life for local residents.
Warm Welcome from Local Leadership
Alfaidar Akam, the village chief of Timpook, warmly received the delegation from NIA and the 1103Bde. Akam expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, highlighting how reliable water systems are foundational to advancing livelihoods, ensuring food security, and strengthening overall community resilience.
He emphasized that such development projects directly contribute to the progress and improved well-being of his constituents, marking a positive step toward stability and prosperity.
Commitment to Peace and Development
During the engagement, Brigadier General Cabasan reinforced the Philippine Army's dedication to peace-building and development support. He underscored that security and socio-economic progress are inseparable, with reliable water access being a cornerstone for long-term stability and peace in Sulu.
Engineer Rada reaffirmed NIA-Zamboanga Peninsula's commitment to providing the necessary technical expertise and support for water resource development, ensuring projects are tailored to meet the specific needs of local communities.
Prior to the field visit in Timpook, Rada and his team paid a courtesy call to General Cabasan at the Kalis Brigade headquarters in Bud Bayog, Talipao. This preliminary meeting solidified their partnership and set the stage for productive discussions.
Ongoing and Future Projects
The discussions between the officials covered both ongoing and planned water source initiatives within the 1103Bde's area of responsibility. These include:
- An ongoing project in Samak village, Talipao.
- Planned installations in Timpook village, Patikul.
- Potential projects in other neighboring villages.
Rada explained that these projects are designed to improve water accessibility, support agricultural productivity, and ultimately enhance the overall quality of life for residents. General Cabasan pledged the Brigade's full support for NIA's development programs, recognizing water as a vital resource for driving sustainable progress in the province.
This joint civil-military effort highlights a powerful collaboration aimed at fostering peace, driving development, and promoting sustainability in Sulu, demonstrating how coordinated action can address fundamental community needs.
