President Marcos Inaugurates Mahayag Dam to Boost Mindanao Agriculture
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially inaugurated the Mahayag Dam Project on February 12, 2026, in a ceremony held in Brgy. Lower Salug Daku, Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur. The event marked a significant milestone in efforts to enhance agricultural productivity and regional development in Mindanao.
Key Attendees and Project Details
The inauguration was attended by prominent officials, including Anton Lagdameo Jr., Special Assistant to the President, and Leo Tereso Magno, Secretary of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). Also present were Engr. Eddie Guillen, Administrator of the National Irrigation Authority, and local officials from Zamboanga del Sur. The dam is a reconstructed and improved component of the Salug River Irrigation System (Saris), the largest irrigation system in the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Enhanced Capabilities and Benefits
During his speech, President Marcos emphasized that the dam was not merely rebuilt but significantly enhanced. "Hindi lamang basta tinayo yong dati, kundi pinaganda pa, pinatibay pa, pinalaki pa," he stated, highlighting its improved irrigation, water diversion, and flood control capabilities. These upgrades are crucial for securing the livelihoods of more than 3,100 farmers and their families, supporting over 8,100 hectares of farmland in the region.
Broader Infrastructure Initiatives
Secretary Magno underscored the dam's role as a vital part of the Building a Better Mindanao initiative, which aims to boost infrastructure and regional connectivity. The project aligns with the administration's broader Build, Better, More (BBM) program, which allocates ₱9 trillion to 194 priority infrastructure projects nationwide from 2023 to 2028. This initiative seeks to drive resilience, economic growth, and equity across the Philippines.
Impact on Regional Development
The Mahayag Dam Project is expected to play a huge role in improving communities by providing reliable water resources for agriculture, reducing flood risks, and enhancing food security. It reflects the government's commitment to sustainable development and support for the agricultural sector, which is a cornerstone of Mindanao's economy.
