President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. officially inaugurated the Hibulangan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Leyte on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in the administration’s push for agricultural modernization and rural development.
The ₱1.12 billion infrastructure project is designed to provide a reliable and continuous water supply to approximately 2,750 hectares of farmland.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the facility is set to transform the livelihoods of 1,821 farmers by ending their dependence on seasonal rainfall.
“Sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., pinalalakas ng pamahalaan ang modernisasyon ng agrikultura sa pamamagitan ng mga proyektong irigasyon, kagaya ng Hibulangan SRIP, na nagtitiyak ng mas matatag na produksyon at seguridad sa pagkain para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” the PCO stated.
Completed in June 2025, the Hibulangan SRIP features a massive 25-meter-high zoned earthfill dam with a reservoir capacity of 9.01 million cubic meters. The system’s reach is supported by an extensive network of 25 kilometers of main canals and nearly 16 kilometers of lateral canals, ensuring that water is distributed equitably across the municipalities of Villaba, Matag-ob, and Kananga.
The administration highlighted that the shift from rain-dependent farming to a structured irrigation system is critical for stabilizing crop yields amidst unpredictable climate patterns.
“Hindi na kailangang umasa sa ulan lamang ang mahigit 1,800 magsasaka sa Leyte upang magkaroon ng sapat na patubig,” the PCO added, emphasizing the project’s role in increasing farm income and national food reserves.
By prioritizing large-scale irrigation, the Marcos government aims to address the rising demand for food while providing farmers with the tools necessary to adapt to climate variability. The Hibulangan SRIP stands as a cornerstone of this strategy, promising a more resilient agricultural sector for the province of Leyte.