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Advocates Philippines
Marcos Opens Rebuilt Mahayag Dam; Unveils Solar Irrigation Boost For Zamboanga Farmers
Photo credit: PCO
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the inauguration of the rehabilitated Mahayag Dam in Zamboanga del Sur along with the turnover of 20 solar-powered pump irrigation projects (SPIPs) across the Zamboanga Peninsula, marking a major step toward improving agricultural productivity and climate resilience in the region.
The Mahayag Dam, a key diversion structure for the Salug River Irrigation System, is the largest irrigation system in Region IX. It had been heavily damaged by flooding several years ago, affecting farmers in the municipalities of Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay, and Sominot. Its rehabilitation has restored stable water diversion and strengthened flood control for surrounding communities.
With the dam now fully operational, the government expects more than 3,100 farmers and their families to benefit from consistent irrigation supply. The restored structure is also projected to support higher crop yields and reduce farmers’ vulnerability to extreme weather, especially during the rainy season.
During the turnover ceremony, the President emphasized that the dam’s reconstruction represents a long-term investment in agricultural sustainability and community safety. The improved system promises uninterrupted water supply to nearby rice fields, contributing to food security efforts in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Alongside the dam opening, Marcos also turned over solar-powered pump irrigation projects to 635 farmers across Region IX. These SPIPs are designed to boost irrigation access using clean and cost-efficient energy. Because the pumps run on sunlight, farmers can significantly cut down on diesel and electricity expenses while also reducing emissions linked to pollution.
Irrigators associations in the region will manage water distribution and canal cleaning to ensure efficient use of the systems. Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will oversee the maintenance of the specialized solar panels and pump units.
The administration views the combination of traditional irrigation infrastructure and modern solar-powered solutions as a strategic approach to strengthen food production, support rural livelihoods, and build climate-resilient farming communities.
The projects form part of the broader national push to modernize the agriculture sector and ensure stable food supply in the years ahead.
The Mahayag Dam, a key diversion structure for the Salug River Irrigation System, is the largest irrigation system in Region IX. It had been heavily damaged by flooding several years ago, affecting farmers in the municipalities of Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay, and Sominot. Its rehabilitation has restored stable water diversion and strengthened flood control for surrounding communities.
With the dam now fully operational, the government expects more than 3,100 farmers and their families to benefit from consistent irrigation supply. The restored structure is also projected to support higher crop yields and reduce farmers’ vulnerability to extreme weather, especially during the rainy season.
During the turnover ceremony, the President emphasized that the dam’s reconstruction represents a long-term investment in agricultural sustainability and community safety. The improved system promises uninterrupted water supply to nearby rice fields, contributing to food security efforts in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Alongside the dam opening, Marcos also turned over solar-powered pump irrigation projects to 635 farmers across Region IX. These SPIPs are designed to boost irrigation access using clean and cost-efficient energy. Because the pumps run on sunlight, farmers can significantly cut down on diesel and electricity expenses while also reducing emissions linked to pollution.
Irrigators associations in the region will manage water distribution and canal cleaning to ensure efficient use of the systems. Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) will oversee the maintenance of the specialized solar panels and pump units.
The administration views the combination of traditional irrigation infrastructure and modern solar-powered solutions as a strategic approach to strengthen food production, support rural livelihoods, and build climate-resilient farming communities.
The projects form part of the broader national push to modernize the agriculture sector and ensure stable food supply in the years ahead.
Feb 12, 2026
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