PBBM sets farmers free from years of agrarian debt
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on November 22, 2024, ordered all concerned government agencies to finish the disaster-mitigation projects in Cagayan Valley.
“Para sa mga ahensya ng gobyerno at lokal na pamahalaan, siguruhin natin na matapos ang mga proyektong ito upang maibsan ang panganib at pinsalang dulot ng madalas na pagbaha,” President Marcos said.
The President made the remarks in his speech during the Distribution of Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) in Isabela.
Included in the President’s priority are flood control structures, irrigation systems, and rehabilitation initiatives on major river basins and dams in Region II.
He reported that construction is ongoing for the flood mitigation project along the Pinacanauan de Tumauini River in Cagayan, known as the Tumauini River Multipurpose Project.
The project is expected to irrigate 8,200 hectares of agricultural land and benefit 5,860 farmers.
Review of master plans for key river basins in the country is also underway, he added.
“Sa kasalukuyan, pinag-aaralan na natin [ang] mga master plans para sa major river basins sa bansa, gaya ng Cagayan River Basin,” he explained.
Even the Magat Dam is already being worked on by the government, he said. “Sinisimulan na rin po ang pagsasaayos ng Magat Dam,” the President added.
The Balasig Small Reservoir Irrigation Project, which is designed to enhance flood mitigation, would also provide reliable irrigation water in Isabela utilizing the Balasig River.
The Tuguegarao Circumferential Dike Road Project, which is being built to protect nearby communities by stabilizing riverbank soil and increasing river’s drainage capacity was also monitored
Meanwhile, flood control structures along the Cagayan River, particularly in Barangay Anao, Roxas, Isabela and Sta. Maria, Isabela have already been completed.
These structures are expected to protect riverbank areas by diverting water flow and slowing down natural changes in embankments and coastlines. They will also serve as access roads to nearby agricultural lands.