MANILA, Philippines — Palawan’s first reservoir-type irrigation system was inaugurated on Thursday by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with the goal of helping local farmers mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
During the inauguration of the Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Aborlan, Palawan, Marcos said the irrigation aims to fortify agricultural productivity and improve food security.
“In this day and age, especially during a dry spell or El Niño, we can no longer rely solely on rainfall to irrigate our crops," Marcos said in Filipino.
The project-implemented by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA)—stands as the largest irrigation project in Palawan and the island’s first reservoir-type irrigation system.
This Ibato-Iraan SRIP aims to ensure a year-round water supply to over 1,072 hectares of agricultural land, directly benefiting 425 farmer-beneficiaries in the municipality.
“When the weather is unpredictable, the yield, income, and security of every family relying on farming also becomes unpredictable. That is why it is essential to deliver water to the farmlands to stabilize the livelihood of our farmers,” Marcos said.
Marcos likewise announced that the government is pairing irrigation with modern farming technology, which includes solar-powered pumps equipped with artificial intelligence-powered satellite monitoring and automated fertigation systems.
He explained that these tools will help ensure the efficient use of water and fertilizer while boosting farm productivity.
Marcos also urged the National Irrigation Administration and the Ibato-Iraan Farmers Irrigators Association to work together in maintaining and protecting the new facility.
He called on local farmers and officials to care for and develop the infrastructure as key partners in ensuring its long-term success.
