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Over halfway there! Mahayag Dam Rehabilitation Project surpasses targets, now at 57.17% completion

The Mahayag Dam Major Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project continues to move forward with solid momentum. As of June 4, 2025, the overall physical accomplishment stands at 57.17%, exceeding the target of 54.08% - a positive slippage of 3.09% reflects the consistent efforts of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and project implementers to deliver timely results.

The project is being carried out in two packages:

PACKAGE 1 – 63.55% ACCOMPLISHED (Target: 61.07%)
  Cofferdam Phase 2 Completed - Total enclosure now in place for East Main Canal (EMC) works and full diversion of river flow at the West Main Canal (WMC).
  WMC Intake Gates Operational – Ensuring water delivery to service areas even during construction.
  EMC Temporary Intake Functional – Irrigation services to key agricultural zones remain uninterrupted.
  Ogee Structure - 36.8 meters completed out of 81.3 meters.
  Sluice Gates at WMC Maintenance Platform - Concrete pouring completed; operations platform now at 62.86%.
  WMC Retaining Wall Completed - A major milestone enhancing structural stability. EMC Retaining Wall Base Poured - Reaching 95.26% progress.
  Downstream Protection Dike - Now at 74.27%, second berm construction ongoing.

PACKAGE 2 – 52.49% ACCOMPLISHED (Target: 49.30%)
  Apron Flooring Works - 1,404 concrete interlocking l-blocks installed; 74.2 meters completed out of 99.4 meters.
  Upstream Protection Dike – 70 meters of pile cap and 55 meters of concrete side slope completed; activity at 5.13% overall.
  Upstream Retaining Wall – 15 meters of wall constructed.

NIA remains steadfast in delivering uninterrupted progress and sustaining the momentum of the Mahayag Dam Major Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Project. With accomplishments already exceeding set targets, the Agency is committed to complete the project on time, or even ahead of schedule, so that farmer-beneficiaries can fully reap the long-term benefits of improved irrigation, increased agricultural productivity, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Ditoray IA and TAP IA Cooperative partner with NIA to boost irrigation and livelihood support

PAGADIAN CITY - The NIA Zamboanga del Sur Irrigation Management Office (ZDSIMO) facilitated a joint General Assembly and Turn-out Service Area Group (TSAG) Meeting with the Ditoray Irrigators' Association (IA) and TAP IA Cooperative on May 31, 2025, in Barangay Ditoray.

During the meeting, Ditoray IA raised concerns about the need to repair their dam apron, install a solar- powered irrigation pump, and build a new dam to serve an additional 30 hectares of farmland. NIA responded positively, by scheduling a site validation for the proposed dam and initiating preparations for the solar pump installation, backed by successful georesistivity testing.

To further empower farmers, TAP IA Cooperative, led by Chairperson Alfonso Siay, invited Ditoray IA members to join their cooperative. In a strong show of support, Ditoray IA pledged to donate 450 square meters of land to the cooperative. NIA reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with local associations in delivering practical, sustainable solutions for improved farming and community development.

NIA conducts Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) Training in Bayog

BAYOG, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — The NIA Sibuguey Valley Irrigation System (SVIS) successfully held a training on Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) from May 27-30, 2025, at the SVIS Office.

The four-day training aimed to equip the farmers with practical knowledge on AWD— a water-saving rice farming method that involves periodic drying of soil between irrigations. One of the highlights of the training was the hands-on field demonstration on the proper use of AWD observation tubes, a key tool in monitoring soil moisture and guiding irrigation schedules more efficiently.

Led by SVIS Head Engr. Wilson N. Cabrales, the training gathered 60 Irrigators' Associations (IAs) members, Institutional Development Officers (IDOs), and NIA personnel. Technical sessions were conducted by Mr. Agustin B. Hilado, Senior Water Resources Facilities Technician, alongside Mr. Peter Elvis L. Galleto and Mr. Jhonny Mangumpit from the NIA Regional Office.

Health Awareness Drive on Monkeypox and Follow-Up check-up on Medical Mission beneficiaries

RIZAL, ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE — Demonstrating its commitment to the well-being of local farmers, the NIA Region 9 conducted a health awareness orientation on Monkeypox Virus and conducted follow-up checkups for Medical Mission farmer-beneficiaries on June 3, 2025 in Barangay La Esperanza, Rizal. The initiative was led by NIA Region IX Industrial Nurse Ms. Carousel Mae D. Lamatan, in coordination with Nilabo Longonon Irrigators Association, Inc.

The orientation aimed to educate farmers about Monkeypox including its symptoms, modes of transmission, preventive measures, and available treatments particularly in rural areas where access to health education is often limited. By providing timely and relevant health information, the activity helped strengthen the IA's capacity to prevent and respond to potential outbreaks.

As part of the program, Nurse Lamatan also performed medical follow-ups on five farmer-beneficiaries who underwent minor surgical procedures during the May 5, 2025 Medical Mission. The checkups ensured proper recovery and provided additional care and guidance. Through initiatives like this, NIA continues to go beyond irrigation services by promoting the overall health and productivity of its farmer-partners.

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