PBBM Leads Reopening of Mahayag Dam, Expands Solar Irrigation in Region IX

Daphne Santuyo

Ipil. Zamboanga Sibugay – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier today led the formal reopening of the newly rehabilitated Mahayag Dam in Barangay Lower Salug Dako, restoring a key irrigation facility that supports thousands of farmers in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The ₱450-million project involved the reconstruction and reinforcement of the dam, which forms part of the Salug River Irrigation System (SARIS). Originally inaugurated in 1967 by former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the Mahayag Dam has long been vital to rice production in Zamboanga del Sur, contributing to the province’s reputation as the “Rice Granary of the Peninsula.”

The aging structure suffered severe damage following catastrophic flash floods between late 2022 and early 2023, disrupting irrigation services to more than 4,000 hectares of rice lands. The damage left farmers in the municipalities of Mahayag, Sominot, Ramon Magsaysay, and Molave without a stable water supply, raising concerns over crop losses and local food security.

With the completion of the rehabilitation, irrigation services are expected to resume fully, restoring water access to thousands of hectares of farmland. The redesigned dam incorporates reinforced flood-control features, including strengthened dikes and an upgraded crest, to improve its resilience against extreme weather conditions.

During the inauguration ceremony, President Marcos emphasized that the project is part of the administration’s broader effort to modernize agricultural infrastructure and enhance climate resilience in farming communities.

In addition to reopening the dam, the President also led the turnover of several Solar Powered Pump Irrigation Projects (SPIPs) to various communities across Region IX. The solar-powered systems are designed to serve upland and remote farms not connected to conventional canal networks.

According to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), the SPIPs will benefit more than 5,000 farming households by reducing dependence on fuel-powered pumps and lowering operational costs. Officials said the integration of renewable energy into irrigation systems supports both agricultural productivity and sustainability goals.

NIA regional officials described the combined implementation of the dam rehabilitation and solar-powered irrigation systems as a strategic approach to strengthening water access and protecting the region’s agricultural output.

The reopening of the Mahayag Dam marks a significant milestone in restoring one of the peninsula’s key agricultural lifelines, reinforcing the government’s efforts to secure food production and support farming communities across Zamboanga del Sur and neighboring areas.