President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday led the inauguration of the Mabini–Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Barangay Abaca, Mabini, Bohol, as the government steps up efforts to shield farmers from the impacts of a potentially prolonged El Niño.
The President said the administration is rolling out multiple small-scale irrigation systems nationwide to help stabilize agricultural production, especially during prolonged dry spells and other climate-related disruptions.
“Kapag pabago-bago ang panahon, matagal ang tagtuyot, o kulang ang ulan, kayo ang naapektuhan. At higit pa rito, mas pinalala pa ng pagbabago ng klima ang kanilang – ang inyong mga panganib at pangamba,” Marcos said.
He also warned that based on government data, the country could face a severe El Niño that may persist until 2027.
“Ayon sa ating datos, malaki ang posibilidad na makakaranas ang bansa ng matinding El Niño na maaaring tumagal hanggang sa susunod pa na taon, 2027,” he added.
The P833.37-million irrigation project of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is designed to provide a reliable year-round water supply to about 530 hectares of farmland across the municipalities of Mabini and Alicia.
It is expected to benefit 717 farmers from several barangays, including Abaca, San Roque, Aguipo, and Cabidian in Mabini, as well as Cayacay in Alicia, helping stabilize crop yields and reduce dependence on rainfall.
Government officials said the project forms part of broader efforts to strengthen climate resilience in agriculture and improve food security in vulnerable farming communities.