STA. MARIA, Pangasinan (PIA) – In a major step toward addressing long-standing water scarcity among farmers, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking ceremony for the Paitan Dam under the Lower Agno River Irrigation System (LARIS) on May 23.
“Last year, a severe El Niño hit the country, and Pangasinan was among the hardest hit. Today, we begin the solution,” Marcos said.
The Paitan Dam, a flagship project of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), is funded through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program-Irrigation Component (CARP-IC) and the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF).
Once completed, it will irrigate approximately 12,041 hectares across the Pangasinan towns of Rosales, Sto. Tomas, Alcala, Bautista, and Bayambang, as well as parts of San Manuel and Moncada in Tarlac and Cuyapo in Nueva Ecija.
“This is no longer just a dream. Whether during the dry or wet season, water will be available—and bountiful harvests will follow,” Marcos said.
The irrigation system will source water from the Agno and Bani Rivers, delivering up to 24,000 liters per second.
It will serve 11,942 farmers from 56 irrigators’ associations.
Ted Odillo Nazareno, a farmer from the Apartado Ginawdan Irrigators’ Association in Alcala, shared the challenges they face due to inadequate water supply.
“Our association covers 324 hectares, but we can only irrigate 200. We often have to switch from planting ‘palay’ to corn or tobacco. This project is a lifeline for us and for future generations of farmers,” Nazareno said.
President Marcos noted that fully irrigated farms can yield up to nine tons of rice per hectare—more than double the national average.
“This shows the clear impact of reliable irrigation—higher yields, better income, and improved livelihoods,” he said.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III thanked the national government for selecting Pangasinan as a project site, emphasizing its role in ensuring food security nationwide.
Rosales Mayor William Cezar also expressed gratitude and urged continued support for initiatives focused on farmers’ welfare.
President Marcos called for the project’s completion by 2027—or earlier—so farmers can benefit sooner.
During the event, he also led the ceremonial turnover of certificates for solar-powered irrigation pumps to 11 irrigators’ associations in the province.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to agriculture and encouraged unity in strengthening the sector.
“Let us join hands to uplift agriculture and ensure food on every Filipino’s table,” Marcos said. (AMB/EMSA/PIA, Pangasinan)
