Marcos inaugurates Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Bohol
Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project
After weeks of inspecting failed flood-control projects, President Marcos inaugurated the already operational Calunasan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Bohol.
Marcos expressed elation on Friday, Sept. 5, over the almost completed infrastructure project aimed at improving agricultural productivity and supporting farmers in the province.
"Nakakatuwa na makapunta dito sa mga natapos na proyekto sa – para sa irigasyon (It’s delightful to be able to come here to see the completed projects for irrigation)," Marcos said.
"At alam naman po natin na basta’t ang pinag-uusapan ay ang agrikultura, lalo na ang palay at bigas ay ang pinakamahalaga ang patubig (And we all know that when it comes to agriculture—especially rice and palay—irrigation is the most important)," Marcos added.
With a total cost of P813 million, the project is currently 97.94 percent complete.
The remaining works, including slope protection and the construction of a view deck, are scheduled for completion by Nov. 23, 2025.
Located in the municipality of Calape, the Calunasan SRIP is expected to irrigate 300 hectares of farmland, directly benefiting around 400 farmers in the nearby communities including four barangays namely Calunasan, Abucayan Sur, Lucob, and Bentig.
According to NIA-Region VII Acting Manager for Engineering and Operations Division Nelson Doliente, the dam and irrigation facilities are already fully operational and have been serving local farmers since the system’s test run on Aug. 20.
It is designed to increase crop yields, improve cropping intensity, and reduce irrigation costs. It is seen as a major step toward strengthening food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods in the province.
Marcos emphasized the importance of irrigation projects in order to achieve food security and in order for the country to not rely on importation.
"Hindi masyadong napapagusapan ang pag-increase, pagparami, pagpalago ng produksyon natin. And that is very important dahil para hindi na tayo mag-import ay kailangan ang gawin natin ay makapag-produce tayo ng bigas na sapat para hindi na tayo na kailangan – hindi na tayo umaasa sa ibang lugar (What is not being talked about enough is the increase, expansion, and growth of our production. And that is very important because, in order for us not to import, what we need to do is produce enough rice so that we no longer have to rely on other places)," Marcos said.