ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR - The Mahayag Dam, constructed in 1967, has long served as the heart of the Salug River Irrigation System (SARIS), irrigating more or less 8,000 hectares of farmland in Zamboanga del Sur. Decades of service and successive flood events from December 2022 to January 2023 left the structure critically damaged and partially collapsed; prompting not just a repair, but a comprehensive climate-resilient reconstruction. Recognizing the magnitude of the challenge, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region IX, with funding from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council's (NDRRMC) Regular Fund, embarked on a transformative effort. This rehabilitation is not just about rebuilding; it's about reengineering for the future. With stronger materials, smarter design, and collaborative governance, the project has become a model of sustainable infrastructure and disaster resilience.
The NPMET formally launched its multi-agency assessment with an Entry Conference held on July 24, 2025, at the NIA Region IX Training Center in Pagadian City. Spearheaded by Director Harold N. Cabreros, Rehabilitation and Recovery Management Service, of the Office of Civil Defense, Central Office (OCD-CO), the mission brought together representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), PDRRMO, DepDev9, and local government units. During the conference, Engr. June Nathaniel S. Plaza, Regional Manager of NIA Region IX, emphasized "The Mahayag Dam rehabilitation is more than just a construction project; it is a lifeline for our farmers and a pillar of regional development. This united effort proves that when agencies work together with purpose, real change happens on the ground." Following the briefing, the team conducted a field validation at the dam site. In the exit conference held in the afternoon, the NPMET presented its findings and reported no major adverse observations. Director Cabreros commended the initiative's forward-looking approach "We used to embrace the principle of 'Build Back Better'-restoring what was lost. But today, we push further with 'Build Forward Better.' This means anticipating tomorrow's challenges and protecting future generations with what we construct today." The visit concluded with a renewed commitment to resilience, sustainability, and inclusive development. The Mahayag Dam Rehabilitation Project stands not only as a physical structure but as a symbol of unified governance and community hope; a model of what collaborative public service can achieve in the face of adversity.