Water is flowing again through a key irrigation structure in Nueva Ecija after nearly two months of repairs, helping thousands of farmers catch up on rice planting for the dry season.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said it has reopened the repaired siphon barrel along the Talavera River in Barangay San Nicolas, Llanera, Nueva Ecija. The structure now allows water to pass through after it was damaged.

The irrigation system serves about 27,000 farmers with around 40 hectares of rice fields in two cities and nine towns in Nueva Ecija and Tarlac. These areas fall under Division 5 and 6 of the NIA–Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigation System.

NIA said the project was completed one month earlier than the target date of March 1, 2026. The early completion followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to finish the project quickly so farmers could still plant during the current dry cropping season.

The repair of irrigation facilities supports the President’s 10-point agenda to achieve food sufficiency and strengthen food security. NIA said it is closely monitoring projects to ensure they are finished on time.

Aside from the fixed siphon barrel, NIA also inspected an old bridge between Barangay Ligaya and Barangay San Nicolas. Another damaged siphon barrel is located in the area and is set for repair after it was affected by past disasters.