Irrigation systems across the country will be revived this year under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
During his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Marcos stated that 38,000 hectares of land throughout the country will be revitalized. He added that the government is continuously opening and repairing irrigation systems.
Among the completed projects is the Malitubog-Maridagao Irrigation Project, which will service almost 10,000 hectares of land in North Cotabato and Maguindanao del Sur.
In addition, the President noted the use of solar irrigation, which will help reduce energy consumption, such as the newly opened Cabaruan Solar-Powered Pump Irrigation Project in Quirino, Isabela.
The Jalaur River Multipurpose Project in Iloilo will also provide irrigation to almost thirty-two thousand hectares of land.
"Ang proyekto sa Jalaur River ay magpapatunay sa pinalalawak na potensyal ng irigasyon. Hindi lamang ito para sa patubig sa sakahan. Magagamit din ito sa pagkontrol ng baha, paglikha ng kuryente, at turismo," said the Chief Executive.
He affirmed that irrigation dams will complement all our other bulk water projects to ensure water security for the people, especially in underserved areas.
El Niño has become a challenge for farmers by diminishing water sources crucial for crop irrigation, including rice, corn, and other high-value crops.
