MALASIQUI: The two spill gates of the San Roque Dam that were opened Sunday to address the inflow of water from upstream and from tropical cyclone Pepito (international name Man-yi) were closed before noon Monday. “Although there is still continuous inflow from Ambuklao Dam in Bokod town, and Binga Dam in Itogon town, both in Benguet province, we terminated so that the reservoir would just store the water since there are no monitored weather disturbance until the end of November,” National Power Corporation-San Roque Dam Office flood operation manager Teresa Serra said in a phone interview. She said the reservoir would need to stock water for its needs next year.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gates 2A and 2B of the dam were gradually opened at 1.5 meters and 3.5 meters, respectively, starting 1 a.m. Sunday. The opening was raised up to 4.5 meters as Pepito battered Northern Luzon, before it was gradually reduced as the tropical cyclone moved away from landmass. The water level of the dam was at 279.2
0 meters above sea level (masl) normal high water level against the 280 masl spilling level as of noontime.

The decision to close the spill gates was made to ensure that the reservoir retains enough water to meet the needs of the upcoming year. The San Roque Dam, a critical infrastructure in the region, plays a significant role in flood control, irrigation, and energy generation, making the management of its water levels crucial in times of inclement weather.