16 May 2023 - In a significant stride towards efficient dredging and desilting works in Molino Dam and other existing dams in Cavite province, Senator Mark Villar spearheaded the Turnover Ceremony for 1 Unit of Long Reach Excavator with 1 Unit of Pontoon Equipment.
The acquisition of this state-of-the-art equipment is a result of the efforts initiated by Senator Cynthia Villar, who emphasizes the necessity of continuous maintenance to ensure river cleanliness, efficient irrigation, and improved flood control.
During the event, NIA Regional Manager Wilson Lopez highlighted that this new equipment signifies the agency's commitment to modernization and innovation.
“Mahalaga po ito sapagkat ma a-address na natin yung problema natin sa siltation at makakatulong para sa flood control din ng bayan ng Bacoor sapagkat lalaki yung storage capacity ng tubig natin sa dam”he added.
Expressing gratitude to National Irrigation Administration thru the leadership of NIA Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen, Senator Mark Villar underscored the significance of the equipment in facilitating year-round dredging and desilting operations for the Bacoor-Las Piñas river clean-up and control.
“Nagbunga po yung pag lobby natin para magkaroon tayo ng pondo para makabili ng ganitong equipment na malaki ang maitutulong sa paglilinis ng ating ilog at ng Molino Dam. Matagal na po itong advocacy ng aming pamilya na pangalagaan ang ating mga ilog, kalikasan, at agrikultura kaya naman masaya kami na naisakatuparan ang proyekto na ito”, he stated.
In line with this development, Bacoor City Mayor Strike Revilla emphasized the equipment's importance in tackling flooding issues in the City of Bacoor during the rainy season. He also revealed plans to further enhance the dam area, transforming it into a potential eco-tourism site that would create additional opportunities and livelihood for the people of Bacoor.
“Matagal na natin pangarap ito, napakalaki po ng potential ng ating dam kaya kung malilinis natin ang ilog at maibabalik natin sa original capacity ang ating dam ay talagang makakatulong ito sa aming problema sa tubig," Mayor Revilla commented.
The long-reach excavator with pontoon equipment is a specialized machinery that effortlessly accesses hard-to-reach areas, enabling efficient dredging and desilting operations in rivers and dams. The added pontoon equipment ensures exceptional stability on soft or unstable terrain, enabling operators to maneuver safely in marshes and shallow water bodies.
The successful acquisition and delivery of this cutting-edge equipment proves the importance of inter-agency coordination in addressing pressing challenges in agriculture and the environment. This milestone marks a significant stride towards the preservation and sustainable development of the province’s water resources.