DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The City Government of Davao, through the City Agriculturist’s Office (CAgrO), continuously offers its rainwater catchment project, benefiting farmers in the upland areas of Paquibato and Marilog districts.
Engr. Karen Joy Delos Reyes, an official from CAgrO’s Agri-fisheries Project, highlighted the dual benefits of the project during the ISpeak Media Forum. “The rainwater catchment not only helps store rainwater for future use but also prevents water runoff during heavy rains from the upland to the lowland areas,” she explained.
“One of the purposes of the rainwater catchment is to prevent water runoff from the upland to the lowland areas during heavy rains, as the rainwater catchment we established or excavated serves as a catch basin for the water,” Delos Reyes added.
The process involves allowing the ground to become saturated with rainwater and filling the excavated catchment. This stored rainwater can be used for irrigation and other purposes. Additionally, it can be utilized as a fishpond where farmers can rear fingerlings. Farmers often sell a portion of the fish for additional income or use them as a food source.
Engr. Gilbert Iglesias, another CAgrO official, emphasized the project’s significance during droughts. “The established rainwater catchments in Paquibato and Marilog have been particularly beneficial to farmers during droughts, providing a critical water source for irrigation,” Iglesias said.
Since the project’s implementation in 2021, 500 rainwater catchment units have been established in Davao’s upland areas. Farmers interested in having a rainwater catchment system in their area can reach out to their respective barangays, which will then forward the request to CAgrO by submitting a resolution through the district offices for evaluation. If the area is deemed viable, CAgrO will request the landowner to execute a deed of usufruct with the barangay.
The establishment of more rainwater catchment systems is ongoing. Iglesias also noted that CAgrO provides additional services to farmers, including the provision of farm equipment and machinery.
This initiative underscores the City Government’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and water conservation, ensuring that Dabawenyo farmers have the resources they need to thrive.
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