By Jessica M. Bacud
ILAGAN CITY, Isabela – Senator Imee Marcos took the initiative and vigorously supported the National Irrigation Administration in pushing through the retrofitting of Magat Dam’s spillway and bridge to ensure uninterrupted delivery of agricultural services and hydroelectric power in the ensuing decades.
“Matanda na rin at may edad na ang ating Magat Dam,” Senator Marcos said of Magat Dam, which she noted is already 40 years old, “a time when infrastructure has reached exhaustion, metal fatigue and complete deterioration.”
She noted these during the groundbreaking ceremony for the retrofitting of the Magat Dam’s spillway and bridge on Saturday at the dam site in Ramon, Isabela.
Sen. Marcos vowed to provide funding for the Magat Dam’s structural improvement so that it can remain durable for the coming decades.
“Hating-kapatid ito, P250 million mula sa akin, at P250 (million) galing sa National Irrigation Administration,” the President’s sister said.
To support irrigation expansion, Sen. Marcos said: “Kahit kakarampot lang ang budget at hindi maihambing sa World Bank budget noong unang panahon ay masasabi natin na mas mapapahaba pa natin ang buhay ng ating dam.”
As this year’s El Nino and La Nina systems begin to take shape, and as temperatures soar and the scorching heat is already felt, Sen. Marcos warned there is considerable danger. She urged farmers to utilize water carefully and in moderation.
“Maghanap tayo ng drought-resistant models and other heat-impervious rice varieties that can tolerate great heat and drought,” she said.
Meanwhile, Isabela Governor Rodito T. Albano III thanked Senator Imee Marcos.
“Taos puso ang aming pasasalamat sa iyo, Senator Imee sa malasakit mo sa mga taga Isabela, lalong-lalo na inisip mo itong mag-eexpire na dam na ginawa ng iyong ama, the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr,” he said.
“Magat Dam is a big help to farmers, not only in Region 2 but in the whole country,” Gov. Albano stressed.
Engr. Gileu Michael O. Dimoloy, Department Manager A of NIA-MARIIS, lauded Senator Imee Marcos for launching the retrofitting of the Magat Dam’s spillway and bridge and providing the necessary funding.
NIA-MARIIS created a work schedule for the retrofitting divided into three sections: drainage galleries, spillway and bridge, and spillway short lock.
The Magat Dam can last for more than 50 years with adequate government support of at least P500 million, Dimoloy noted.
“Ang life span ng Magat Dam ay malapit ng matapos, Sa retrofitting na gagawin natin, it will last at least 100 years pa,” he said.
He told Sen. Marcos: “With your help, this mega-structure will stand bold and strong for this generation and beyond.”
Other Isabela officials who graced the groundbreaking were Vice Gov. Faustino Dy III, Rep. Joseph Tan, Rep. Allan Ty, Ramon Mayor Jesus Laddaran, San Mariano Mayor Edgar “Bobot” Go, Vice Mayor Dean Anthony Domalanta, Isabela Police Provincial Director Julio Go, and former Rep. Ana Cristina Go.
The desolate watersheds of Cagayan, Ilocandia, and the Sierra Madre need to be reforested, so Sen. Marcos urged everyone concerned to plant trees.
“It is now time to give the soil what it deserves,” she emphasized. “We need to plant water. Planting water means agro-forestry. We must realize that water does not appear on its own, but produced by trees.”
“There is much to be done, but at least today, in some small way, naumpisahan na natin,” Senator Marcos said.
The Magat Dam, which was finished in 1982 under the presidency of Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., is notable for its size and scope.
In Isabela, Quirino, and Ifugao, the Magat reservoir supplies irrigation water to 90,597,800 hectares of farmlands, benefiting 62,890 farmers. Additionally, its 388 MW of electricity is produced by hydropower turbines.
