The Matam Farmers’ Association can now look forward to upgrading their farming skills and methods to a better farming environment with the turnover of a new Ram Pump Irrigation System- a project of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in cooperation with the Local Government Unit of Katipunan.

A ram pump or hydraulic ram, is a cyclic water pump powered by hydropower. It takes in water at one “hydraulic head” (pressure) and flow rate, and outputs water at a higher hydraulic head and lower flow rate. The device uses the water hammer effect to develop pressure that allows a portion of the input water that powers the pump to be lifted to a point higher than where the water originally started. The hydraulic ram is sometimes used in remote areas, where there is both a source of low-head hydropower and a need for pumping water to a destination higher in elevation than the source. In this situation, the ram is often useful, since it requires no outside source of power other than the kinetic energy of flowing water.

This project aims to help the farmers extract unlimited water source in order for them to sustain good growth of their farming products such as root crops, vegetables and even their poultry as well.

“It is a great pleasure for us to be chosen as recipient of this project because this will be a huge help for our farming. In behalf of the Matam Farmers’ Association, I would like to convey our gratitude to the LGU-Katipunan, headed by our Municipal Mayor, Patchito T. Eguia, for pushing through this project by coordinating with the Bureau of Soils and Water Management in providing us sustainable help instead of one-time donation,” Matam Farmers’ Association President Teodulo S. Andig said.

“Rest assured that we will maintain the cleanliness of our stream which is the main source of this project as well as the good condition of the ram pump. And we promise that in few months’ time, a two-hectare vegetable farm would be visible here in Matam,” he added.

Apart from Andig, the inauguration and ceremonial turnover of the project was also graced by Engr. Erwin C. Renios-Section Chief, Agrohydrology Section, Member of the BSWM Inspection Committee; Engr. Kevin L. Dorot- BSWM Small Scale Irrigation Project HVCDP/Organic Focal, Region IX; Municipal Mayor Patchito T. Eguia and his Municipal Officials; Barangay Captain Dean Paul Reinante and his Barangay Officials; and the members of the Farmers’ Association of Matam, Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte.