As the possible “super El Niño” could start within the next few weeks or months.
On Monday, June 22, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led the inauguration of the Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in the municipalities of Mabini and Alicia in Bohol.
Worth PHP833.37 million, the project was implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), with the facility expected to provide irrigation water to 530 hectares of farmland and benefit 717 farmers in the province as it will serve the agricultural areas located in both towns.
According to the NIA, the irrigation system includes a 32.20-meter-high, 210-meter-long dam that can accommodate 3.82 million cubic meters, an ungated ogee-weir spillway, and an 11.31-kilometer main canal.
Moreover, the facility also draws water from the Baujanan and Cawasan Creeks for distribution to farms within the service area.
NIA said the project is expected to provide a more reliable water supply for farmers, increase cropping intensity, and improve agricultural production in the area.
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado said that the project is a lifeline for the farmers and a source of strength for their families.
The Mabini-Cayacay SRIP forms part of NIA’s irrigation development program aimed at expanding irrigation coverage and supporting agricultural production in the country.
HELPING CUSHION IMPACT OF EL NIÑO
The Chief Executive also noted that the ongoing and completed irrigation projects in Bohol are expected to help cushion the impact of a possible “super El Niño” episode as it will provide farmers with a more reliable source of water for agricultural production.
Marcos said government data indicate a strong possibility that the country could experience a severe El Niño event that may last until 2027.
“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 noted, adding that the government is strengthening irrigation infrastructure to help farming communities prepare for the potential effects of prolonged dry weather.
The President also said that the project would give farmers a dependable source of water and reduce their vulnerability to drought.
“Kasabay nito, mababawasan ang kanilang pangamba sa epekto ng El Niño, sapagkat may maaasahang pagkukunan ng tubig para sa mga pananim,” the President said.
He continued, “Dahil sa sapat na suplay ng tubig, inaasahan nating tataas ang ani, lalo na ng palay at mga high-value vegetable crop. Dagdag pa diyan, mula sa dalawang beses sa isang taon na pagtatanim, puwede nang magtanim ang ating mga magsasaka nang three – tatlong planting sa isang taon.”
The President noted that the facility was designed to assist farmers who have long relied on rainfall to sustain crop production.
“Ito ay isa sa ating mga mahahalagang hakbang upang tulungan ang mga magsasakang matagal nang umaasa lamang sa ulan upang mapalago ang kanilang mga pananim,” he said, emphasizing that protecting farmers from the effects of climate-related disasters remains a key responsibility of the government.
“Tungkulin namin sa pamahalaan na pantayan ang sipag ninyo. Kaya’t gumagawa kami ng mga pasilidad at nagbibigay ng mga kagamitan upang matiyak na hindi masasayang ang inyong pagod at ang inyong sakripisyo.”
The President also noted that small reservoir irrigation projects form part of a broader strategy to help farmers cope with climate-related risks and ensure stable food production.
Other irrigation projects being implemented in Bohol include the Bonot-Bonot SRIP in Buenavista, the Hibale SRIP in Danao, the Molinao Dam Improvement Project in Pilar, the Catungawan SRIP in Guindulman, and the Mandaug SRIP in Calape.
According to the President, these projects are expected to provide irrigation services to thousands of hectares of farmland and benefit more than 2,400 farmers across the province.
Meanwhile, to prepare for the anticipated El Niño, Marcos said farmers have been encouraged to diversify their crops and adopt water-efficient farming practices.
The President noted that high-value crops such as watermelon, ginger, purple yam, peanuts, and eggplant are among the recommended alternatives because they generally consume less water than rice.
Aside from that, the government is also promoting climate-adaptive farming technologies, including solar-powered irrigation pumps and water recycling systems, particularly in drought-prone areas.
The President further noted that the government continues to invest in irrigation systems and agricultural support programs to improve farm productivity and strengthen the resilience of rural communities.
“Bilang tugon sa banta ng El Niño, pinayuhan na natin ang ilang magsasaka na magtanim ng high-value commercial crop gaya ng pakwan, ng luya, ube, mani, at talong—imbes na palay na nangangailangan ng mas maraming tubig.”
He added, “Higit sa lahat, itinataguyod natin ang makabagong pamamaraan sa pagsasaka na angkop sa klima—gaya ng paggamit ng solar pump at water reuse o recycling sa mga lugar na madalas maapektuhan ng tagtuyot.”
RIVER REHAB IN CEBU
Meanwhile, on the same day, the Presidentbaldo inspected the ongoing rehabilitation of the Mananga River in Barangay San Isidro, Talisay City, Cebu, where he was accompanied by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon.
“So, patuloy lang ang ginagawa natin para hindi na maulit ‘yung napakalaking perwisyo ng pagdaan ng bagyo, ng ilog, at saka nung pagdaan nung baha dito at ang daming nasira,” President Marcos said.
He continued, “[…]We will continue to come, we will continue to build, we will continue to repair, and may plano tayo para sa next year para eh doon na natin haharangin sa taas ‘yung tubig para hindi na natin poproblemahin, masyadong problemahin dito sa baba.”
Marcos noted that the funds for the rehabilitation are also included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2027.
The Chief Executive then recalled the widespread flooding that hit communities along the Mananga River, which Marcos said caused the government to immediately take remedial measures and upgrade flood-control structures to address recurring flooding in the area.
The President said that the government has tried to remedy the situation by rehabilitating the flood-control infrastructures.
The President said that the government has renovated the structures using a different kind of material instead of concrete, as well as a new drainage system constructed and the “No Build Zone” area.
“Pagka naipon ang tubig dito sa likod ng ating mga flood control structure, eh mayroong lalabasan ng tubig para hindi maiwan diyan na linggo-linggo pagka may ulan,” noted the President, who also said that the government’s rehabilitation efforts will continue to prevent communities from suffering the same devastation caused by typhoons, flooding, and river overflows.