Farmers in Alcala, Pangasinan only get to plant rice once a year. Without rain, their fields run dry that most of the farmers end up planting corn, instead, because it requires less water.

“Sa amin kasi, walang tubig na dumarating kaya malaking tulong itong project na ito sa amin,” Gener de Guzman, a farmer, said.

This is why the construction of the Lower Agno River Irrigation System (LARIS) or Paitan Dam in Sta. Maria is a big deal for local agriculture.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the groundbreaking on Friday, May 23, 2025.

The P950-million project is expected to be completed by 2027.

Once operational, the dam will supply water to nine towns across three provinces, including Rosales, Sto. Tomas, Alcala, Bautista, Bayambang, and San Manuel in Pangasinan; Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija; and, San Manuel and Moncada in Tarlac.

The project aims to irrigate over 12,000 hectares of farmland and benefit more than 12,000 farmers from 57 irrigator groups in the three provinces.

“Ang gagawin natin, imbes bumaha tuwing tag-ulan, iipunin sa dam ang tubig ulan para magagamit ng mga magsasaka tuwing tag-init,” Marcos said.

“Mahalaga ito para mapataas ang ani ng bigas at high-value crop. It will be a food on the table,” DAR Regional Director Maria Ana Francisco added.

During the visit, Marcos also led the distribution of organic plant supplements, farm equipment, and machinery to local farmers.