President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said that more than 700 farmers in Bohol are expected to benefit from the Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP), which will provide a reliable water supply for their farmlands and boost agricultural production in the province.

Marcos led the inauguration of the irrigation facility in Barangay Abaca, Mabini, Bohol, on Monday, June 22.

“Sa kabuuan, mapapakinabangan ito ng higit 700 magsasaka mula sa Mabini-Caycay Irrigators Association at tiyak na makakatulong ito sa local na supply lang ng pagkain,” he said during the visit in Bohol.

In his speech, Marcos said the project is expected to significantly boost farm yields and improve farmers’ livelihoods through more consistent water supply.

The ₱828.79-million SRIP will irrigate approximately 530 hectares of farmland across five barangays in Mabini and Alicia. These include Barangays Abaca, San Roque, Aguipo, and Cabidian in Mabini, as well as Barangay Cayacay in Alicia, Bohol.

“Sa pamamagitan ng proyektong ito [Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project], masusuportahan ang irigasyon sa 530 ektaryang sakahan sa limang barangay sa Mabini at Alicia dito sa Bohol. Dahil sa sapat na suplay ng tubig, inaasahan nating tataas ang ani,” the President said.

He also noted that farmers may be able to increase planting cycles from two crops per year to as many as three, citing improved irrigation reliability.

“Mula sa dalawang beses sa isang taon na pagtatanim, puwede nang magtanim ang ating magsasaka ng tatlong planting sa isang taon,” he added.

Marcos said the improved irrigation system is also expected to strengthen local food production and reduce vulnerability to drought conditions, including the effects of El Niño.

The President added, “Kasabay nito, mababawasan ang kanilang pangamba sa epekto ng El Niño.”