Marcos vows ₱63-B boost to strengthen PH irrigation systems

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. vowed Thursday that his administration would continue to strengthen the country's irrigation system, noting that over P63 billion has been allocated for irrigation projects across the country for fiscal year 2026

''Makaaasa po kayong patuloy ang administrasyong ito sa pagbibigay sa ating mga magsasaka ng mas mabilis na access sa ganiyang sari-saring teknolohiya, sa sari-saring pagsasanay, suporta pa para umangat at maging mas maginhawa pa ang inyong mga buhay,'' Marcos said during the inauguration of the Mahayag Dam and turnover of solar-powered pump irrigation projects in Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur.

(I assure you that the administration will continue providing farmers with faster access in technology, trainings, as well as other support that will ease their livelihood.) 

''Mula sa ating budget para sa taong ito, naglaan tayo ng higit 63 bilyong piso para sa mga programang pang-irigasyon ng NIA (National Irrigation Administration),'' he added.

(In our budget this year, we allocated over P63 billion for irrigation projects of NIA.) 

 Marcos also said nearly P300 billion has been allotted for various programs and projects of the agriculture sector this year.

Almost P731 million was allotted to Small Scale Irrigation Projects, the President added. 

Mahayag Dam

Built in 1967, the Mahayag Dam has been a vital part of the Salug River Irrigation System (Salug RIS) — the largest national irrigation system (NIS) in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula — providing irrigation to over 8,102.58 hectares of farmland, with 5,044.28 hectares served by the Mahayag Dam.

However, due to the severe floods in late 2022 and early 2023, the structure was heavily damaged, leading to a partial collapse that endangered irrigation services and nearby communities.

Following its rehabilitation, the Mahayag Dam will serve 3,174 farmers from the towns of Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay and Sominot. This will provide a reliable and efficient water supply that enhances food production, raises farm incomes and supports national food security. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News