NIA completes Mahayag Dam rehabilitation in 10 months

Philstar.com

February 26, 2026 | 4:00pm

MANILA, Philippines — Just 10 months from the start of rehabilitation works, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) successfully restored the Mahayag Dam in Barangay Lower Salug Daku, Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur, marking a significant milestone in the government’s disaster resilience and agricultural development efforts.

On February 12, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and NIA Administrator Eddie Guillen led the inauguration of the said project.

Originally constructed in 1967 during the administration of former president Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the Mahayag Dam has long been a vital component of the Salug River Irrigation System (Salug RIS), the largest National Irrigation System (NIS) in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.

For decades, Salug RIS has provided irrigation to more than 8,102.58 hectares of farmland, 5,044.28 hectares of which are served by the Mahayag Dam.

However, the structure suffered severe damage due to heavy flooding in late 2022 and early 2023. This resulted in partial collapse and posed risks not only to irrigation services but also to the safety and livelihood of nearby communities.

In response, the national government moved swiftly to fund the full reconstruction and major rehabilitation of the dam, allocating P450 million from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF).

In coordination with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), NIA successfully implemented the said project.

President Marcos emphasized that the project reflects the government’s firm commitment to disaster recovery, agricultural development and long-term infrastructure resilience. He also acknowledged the leadership of NIA administrator Guillen and the dedication of partner agencies in ensuring the successful completion of the project.

Now fully rehabilitated, the dam will once again serve 3,174 farmers from the municipalities of Mahayag, Molave, Ramon Magsaysay and Sominot with a stable and efficient water supply.

This strengthens food production, improves farm incomes and supports the broader goal of national food security. Building on this progress, the government will continue to invest in disaster-resilient irrigation infrastructure to protect communities, empower farmers and build a more secure future for the country.

The rehabilitation of the Mahayag Dam signals renewed hope for the farming communities it serves. A legacy that began under President Marcos Sr. now moves forward under the administration of President Marcos Jr.

Likewise, NIA Region IX successfully implemented 20 solar-powered pump irrigation projects (SPIPs): four projects under Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (IMO), six under Zamboanga Sibugay IMO, four under Zamboanga del Norte Regional Sub-Office (RSO), and six under Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-Tawi RSO.

With a total service area of 616 hectares and 545 farmer-beneficiaries, these projects have a potential palay production per year of 6.16 million kilograms, equivalent to 3.88 million kilograms of rice.

Together, Mahayag Dam and SPIPs enhance water security, mitigate the impacts of Climate Change and El Niño, support multiple cropping seasons, reduce irrigation costs for farmers and strengthen long-term agricultural productivity and food security in the region.

Editor’s Note: This press release from National Irrigation Administration is published by the Advertising Content Team that is independent from our Editorial Newsroom.