Zamboanga del sur: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the inauguration of the rehabilitated Mahayag Dam in Zamboanga del Sur, signaling renewed support for farming communities in the province.
According to Philippines News Agency, the upgraded Mahayag Dam's operationalization ensures efficient water diversion, improves irrigation reliability, agricultural productivity in the region, and enhances flood control to safeguard homes and livelihoods. Originally built in 1967 during the administration of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., the Mahayag Dam is a key component of the Salug River Irrigation System (Salug RIS), providing water to over 5,000 hectares of farmland.
Severe flooding in late 2022 and early 2023 partially destroyed the dam, disrupting irrigation services and threatening nearby communities in Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay, and Sominot. The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, oversaw the rehabilitation, which was funded with PHP450 million from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund.
More than 3,100 farmers and their families are expected to benefit from the dam, which regulates the flow of water in the Salug River and supplies irrigation to nearby rice fields. President Marcos emphasized that the stable water supply would not only increase crop yield but also provide relief to the local communities in meeting everyday needs. He added that the dam will assist communities in preparing for and remaining safe during the rainy season.
During the ceremony, the President also led the turnover of 20 solar-powered pump irrigation projects (SPIPs) to 635 farmers across the Zamboanga Peninsula (Region 9), which will enhance local irrigation systems using clean, affordable alternative energy. Irrigators associations will manage the distribution and maintenance of water, while the National Irrigation Administration will oversee the specialized solar panels and pump systems.
