President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday inaugurated the Antong Dam and Irrigation System in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, and led the turnover of government assistance and socio-civic project funds in South Cotabato.
The Antong Dam, which was damaged in 2021 and underwent more than three years of rehabilitation following further destruction caused by Typhoon Paeng in 2022, was officially reopened on June 25.
The nearly P1-billion rehabilitation project is expected to provide a reliable water supply to more than 1,500 hectares of farmland and directly benefit over 300 farmers in the area.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the project is expected to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen the country's food security efforts.
"Magiging daan ang proyektong ito sa mas maaasahang suplay ng tubig, mas mataas na ani, at mas malaking kita para sa mga magsasaka, habang patuloy na pinatitibay ng administrasyon ang food security sa bansa," the PCO said.
Following the inauguration, Marcos proceeded to Koronadal City, South Cotabato, where he led the ceremonial turnover of socio-civic project funds worth P40 million for South Cotabato province and P96 million for Cotabato province.
The turnover formed part of the national initiative, "Sa Bagong Pilipinas, Bawat Bayan Makikinabang," which aims to provide direct financial assistance from the national government to local government units.
Barangays and communities in both provinces are expected to benefit from the assistance, which will fund various local socio-civic development projects.
