Linoan SRIP undergoes Field Inspection in Davao de Oro 

Field inspection underway at Linoan SRIP, as engineers, headed by Engr. Dexter A. Sablaon, Regional Irrigation Manager (in black), assess site conditions to support the project’s detailed engineering study and future irrigation development.

By:  Engr. Ryan R. Neri, Engineer A - February 14, 2026 

Montevista, Davao de Oro – Engr. Dexter A. Sablaon, NIA XI Regional Irrigation Manager, personally led and coordinated the field inspection at the proposed damsite of the Linoan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) on February 13, 2026. Along with technical personnel from the NIA Regional Irrigation Office (RIO) XI spearheaded by Engr. Lea N. Oquendo, Supervising Engineer, and representatives from the Davao de Oro Irrigation Management Office (IMO), the inspection aligned with the teams’ ongoing preparations for the said project’s upcoming implementation.

Despite raging waters caused by a localized thunderstorm, the team proceeded with the inspection while observing necessary safety precautions, demonstrating the agency’s strong commitment and resilience in ensuring the timely and thorough evaluation of the proposed project site. The activity included the validation of key technical components, particularly the suitability of the damsite and existing accessibility conditions.

Prior to the inspection, Engr. Rona B. Presto, Davao de Oro IMO Division Manager, expressed her sincerest gratitude to all involved personnel for their dedication and continued support, emphasizing that this activity brings the project one step closer to realization. “This initiative truly reflects our shared commitment to improving irrigation services and uplifting the lives of our farmers in the community”, Presto said. Likewise, Engr. Alex A. Merlin, Engineering and Operation Section (EOS) Head, and Engr. Humphrey M. Aleria, Planning and Design Unit (PDU) Head, also extended their full support throughout the conduct of the inspection.

Meanwhile, the Regional Planning and Design Section (PDS) conducted an earlier visit in coordination with the concerned IMO to undertake the delineation of potential borrow areas, investigation of material suitability of borrow materials, and damsite mapping for Linoan SRIP. These activities are expected to contribute to a more efficient and technically sound preparation prior to the project’s construction.

At present, NIA XI is gearing toward the completion of the Detailed Engineering Study (DES) for the Linoan SRIP, which, once finalized and implemented, will provide irrigation services to 318 hectares of rice land in the province, further supporting agricultural productivity and food security in the region.

Field validation at Linoan SRIP, as the team conducts site inspection and gathers essential data to support the project’s feasibility and design.

On-site assessment at Linoan SRIP, spearheaded by Engr. Dexter A. Sablaon, Regional Irrigation Manager (in black), where the team evaluates river conditions and surrounding terrain to support the project’s planning and design

Technical personnel and survey team traverse river toward Linoan SRIP damsite