President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has committed sustained government backing for small reservoir irrigation projects (SRIP) across the country to counter a threatening El Niño cycle that could stretch into next year.
During the launch of the Mabini-Cayacay SRIP in Bohol on June 22, Marcos highlighted the severe risks that extreme weather patterns impose on local agricultural regions.
“Ayon sa ating datos, malaki ang posibilidad na makakaranas ang bansa ng matinding El Niño na maaaring tumagal hanggang sa susunod pa na taon, 2027.”
The President underscored that these smaller irrigation infrastructures are crucial for reinforcing agricultural output and building long-term climate resilience for rural laborers.
“Kaya’t sa ilalim ng administrasyon, ating itinaguyod ang mga SRIP—mga small irrigation project na ganito. Kabilang nito sa Mabini–Cayacay upang mapataas ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka at maging mas matatag naman ang laban sa sakuna.”
Marcos pointed to several other Bohol-based water systems nearing completion, such as the Bonot-Bonot initiative in Buenavista, the Malinao Dam upgrades in Pilar, and local infrastructure projects in Guindulman and Calape.
“Sa tulong ng mga proyektong ito, inaasahan nating mabibigyan ng serbisyong patubig ang libo-libong ektarya ng sakahan at matutulungan ang higit sa 2,400 na magsasaka.”
Spearheaded by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the ₱833.37-million Mabini-Cayacay development will supply water to 530 hectares of agricultural land, helping 717 farmers in Mabini and Alicia.
According to NIA data, the facility includes a 32.20-meter-high dam and an 11.31-kilometer main distribution canal pulling from local creeks. The reservoir can hold up to 3.82 million cubic meters of water, securing a steady supply to stabilize harvest yields despite unpredictable climate threats.