An Israeli company, which earlier offered to fund a build Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems all over the country, has agreed to assist the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) in crafting the parameters for proposed Mindanao Water Supply, Conservation, Management and Environmental Protection Master Plan.
Last week, shortly before Typhoon Ulyssess caused severe flooding in Luzon, officials of the LR Group of Israel led by its Chief Executive Officer, Ilan Weiss, engaged officials of the MinDA in a virtual meeting to discuss the Mindanao Water Master Plan.
During the virtual conference, I emphasized that the proposed Mindanao Water Master Plan should be a science-based study to address the following concerns:
1. Ensure sustainable water supply for Mindanao both for human use and for agriculture in the years to come and for future generation;
2. Manage water resources to ensure that these would be used for the benefit of the people of Mindanao and prevent flooding;
3. Protect water sources, especially Mindanao’s remaining mountain ranges, and identify critical watersheds and headwaters.
The study will involve mapping through satellite imagery and the use of digital technology.
Both MinDA and LR Group will sign a Memorandum of Understanding to start the crafting of the parameters for the conduct of the Mindanao Water Master Plan.
The Israeli company will be helping MinDA in preparing the initial document without any cost to government.
The initial document will then be presented by MinDA to its funding partners for adoption and implementation.
The LR Group is the same Israeli company which offered a low-interest loan of P44-B for the establishment of Solar-Powered Irrigation Systems all over the country to support rice and high value crops production program.
They built two proto-types of the SPIS in Lumban, Laguna worth P25-M which they donated to the farmers in the area.
When I left the Department of Agriculture, the two proto-types in Lumban, Laguna were inaugurated by top officials.
The SPIS program and the Israel loan proposal are still being evaluated by the NEDA-ICC.
Israel, a country with only 2-million hectares of land area and very low rainfall rate, is known for its advanced water management technology which transformed the desert nation into one of the top agricultural producers in the region.
Weiss said his company is willing to assist MinDA in crafting the Mindanao Water Master Plan as Israel’s way of showing gratitude to the Philippines for saving hundreds of Jewish families during World War II.
#KungGustoMaramingParaan!
#GovernanceIsCommonSense!
(Satellite map of Mindanao downloaded from Google while the picture of MinDA and LR Group officials was taken during the virtual conference on Saturday.)
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