President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday led the inauguration of the Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP), a key infrastructure initiative that aims to improve agricultural productivity and support farmers in Bohol.
The President said the facility will benefit about 400 farmers covering 300 hectares of land, which can now sustain three planting cycles a year.
He underscored the government’s push to expand irrigation projects nationwide, saying reliable water systems remain key to boosting rice production and reducing dependence on imports.
“Irrigation is the most important element in agriculture, especially in rice production… That’s why we are prioritizing projects like this across the country,” Mr. Marcos said.
The President noted that despite challenges from prolonged drought and a series of typhoons last year, the country still recorded its highest rice harvest.
He expressed confidence that this year’s yields would surpass 2024’s output, citing ongoing government support and new technologies such as solar-powered irrigation systems.
