Marcos inaugurates new irrigation project in Bohol

AGRI BOOST. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivers his remarks during the inauguration of the Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Barangay Calunasan, Calape, Bohol on Friday (Sept. 5, 2025). The project is aimed at boosting agricultural production in Bohol. (RTVM screengrab)

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday inaugurated the Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Barangay Calunasan, Calape, Bohol, a key infrastructure expected to irrigate up to 300 hectares of farmland in the province.

The President unveiled the project marker together with National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Eduardo Guillen.

In his remarks, Marcos said the irrigation system is part of the government's broader effort to expand irrigated agricultural lands nationwide.

"[P]ara sa ating mga magsasaka ay gagawin namin ang lahat para tulungan kayo na 'yung production ninyo at maging mas mataas, at ang kita ninyo ay magiging mas mataas (To our farmers, we will do everything we can to help you increase your production and increase your income)," he said.

"Kaya we are continuing at patuloy nating ginagawa ito para pagandahin ang agrikultura natin, para pagandahin natin ang hanapbuhay ng ating mga magsasaka (This is why we are continuing to do this to improve our agriculture, to improve the livelihoods of our farmers)," he added.

The project is designed to provide consistent, year-round irrigation to at least four barangays in Calape—Calunasan, Abucayan Sur, Lucob, and Bentig—benefiting around 400 farmers.
The infrastructure, primarily aimed at improving farm productivity, also supports aquaculture and flood management.

NIA-Region 7 Acting Manager for Engineering and Operations Division Nelson Doliente said the dam and irrigation facilities are already fully operational and have been serving local farmers since the system's test run on Aug. 20.

The project, amounting PHP813 million, is currently 97.94 percent complete. The remaining works, including slope protection and the construction of a view deck, are scheduled for completion by Nov. 23, 2025. (PNA)

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