Strengthening the nation’s commitment to food security and climate-resilient infrastructure, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially inaugurated the rehabilitated Mahayag Dam and turned over a series of Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Projects (SPIPs) across the Zamboanga Peninsula on Thursday.
The Mahayag Dam serves as the critical diversion structure for the Salug River Irrigation System, the largest of its kind in Region IX. After sustaining severe flood damage in recent years—which disrupted the livelihoods of residents in Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay, and Sominot—the dam has been fully reconstructed to provide a more reliable and efficient water supply.
Key Benefits of the Rehabilitated Dam:
-
Enhanced Productivity: Regulates water flow from the Salug River to irrigate vast rice fields.
-
Economic Stability: Supports over 3,100 farmers and their families by ensuring continuous crop cycles.
-
Disaster Mitigation: Functions as a primary flood control mechanism, protecting homes and farms during the rainy season. “By fixing the Mahayag Dam, we aren’t just storing water; we are storing hope and a brighter future,” President Marcos Jr. stated, emphasizing that the project ensures farmers can meet their daily needs through increased yields.
In a parallel effort to modernize local agriculture, the President led the turnover of 20 solar-powered pump irrigation projects benefiting 635 farmers. These systems represent a shift toward sustainable, low-cost farming.
Why SPIPs Matter:
-
Zero Fuel Costs: Farmers no longer need to rely on expensive diesel or electricity, significantly lowering overhead costs.
-
Clean Energy: The systems utilize solar energy, reducing the carbon footprint of the agricultural sector.
-
Collaborative Management: While the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will handle technical maintenance of the panels, local Irrigators Associations will manage water distribution and system cleaning.
The integration of traditional infrastructure like the Mahayag Dam with innovative green technology like the SPIPs underscores the administration’s strategy to stabilize the food supply. By reducing dependence on fluctuating fuel prices and erratic weather patterns, the Zamboanga Peninsula is better positioned as a cornerstone of Philippine agriculture.
