President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on Friday said the launching of Paitan Dam in Sta. Maria, Pangasinan marks a major step toward long-term water security and increased agricultural productivity across the Ilocos region, which has been hard-hit by recurring droughts.
The Paitan Dam is part of the Lower Agno River Irrigation System (LARIS) and is expected to provide year-round irrigation to over 12,000 hectares of farmland in Eastern Pangasinan.
The municipalities of Sta. Maria, Rosales, Sto. Tomas, Alcala, Bautista, and Bayambang, along with parts of San Manuel and Moncada in Tarlac and Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija, will benefit from the new infrastructure.
“This is no longer just a dream. With the Paitan Dam, water will be within reach—whether it’s the dry or rainy season,” Mr. Marcos said during the ceremony, citing the dam’s potential to mitigate the effects of both drought and flooding.
Pangasinan was among the provinces severely affected by last year’s El Niño, with many farmers reporting dried-up fields and reduced yields.
The dam aims to transform these conditions by storing excess rainwater for use during dry spells.
According to President Marcos, rice yield could rise to nine tons per hectare in some areas—more than double the national average of 4.2 tons.
“More harvest means more income and more comfort for our farmers,” President Marcos stated, expressing hope that the dam would be operational by 2027 or sooner.
In addition to the dam project, President Marcos led the distribution of agricultural support packages.
The Department of Agriculture handed out hybrid rice seeds, garden tools, and other farm inputs, while the Department of Agrarian Reform provided organic plant supplements to nearly 6,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Ten four-wheel-drive tractors and two multi-role power stations were also turned over to local Agrarian Reform Beneficiary Organizations (ARBOs).
A ceremonial handover of certificates for newly installed solar-powered irrigation pumps was also held.
“These solar-powered pumps are sustainable and cost-effective. Once installed, they no longer need diesel or extensive electrical lines. Maintenance is minimal,” he said.
Since 2022, over 100 ARBOs in Pangasinan have received agricultural machinery, significantly boosting production and reducing labor time.