Marcos leads groundbreaking events

PANGASINAN — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Pangasinan on Thursday to spearhead the groundbreaking ceremony of the Paitan Dam in Sta. Maria and the inauguration of the Region 1 Medical Center Cancer Institute in Dagupan City.

FOR THE FARMERS President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (third from right) leads the distribution of farm machineries to local farmers and the groundbreaking ceremony of the Paitan Dam in Sta. Maria, Pangasinan, on May 22, 2025. PHOTO BY JANICE HIDALGO

These landmark events reflected the administration's dual thrust to advance agricultural development and strengthen public health care services in Northern Luzon.

In Sta. Maria, Marcos led the ceremony for the construction of Paitan Dam, a key infrastructure under the Lower Agno River Irrigation System (RIS).

The P950-million project was designed to improve farm productivity by providing reliable irrigation to farmlands in Pangasinan, Tarlac and Nueva Ecija.

The project is a collaboration between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) through the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Infrastructure Component (CARP-IC) and the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF).

"This dam represents our unwavering commitment to supporting Filipino farmers and ensuring agricultural sustainability. Irrigation is not just infrastructure; it is a foundation for food security and economic growth," Marcos said.

DAR Secretary Conrado Estrella III and NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen were also present.

Estrella praised the project's potential to uplift agrarian communities and drive rural development.

Guillen, on the other hand, said the dam would enhance climate resilience in agriculture, mitigate drought impacts and increase crop yields.

Later that day, the president proceeded to Dagupan City for the inauguration of the Region 1 Medical Center Cancer Institute.

The new facility reaffirmed the national government's commitment to improving the country's health care infrastructure and making quality medical services more accessible, particularly in cancer care.

"This cancer institute symbolizes our promise to provide timely, effective, and compassionate care to every Filipino. No one should have to travel far or bear heavy costs just to receive life-saving treatment," Marcos said.

The institute supports the implementation of the National Integrated Cancer Control Act (Nicca) by enhancing the region's capabilities in cancer prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment. It is expected to significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients in Region 1 (Ilocos) and neighboring provinces.

The president's back-to-back engagements in Pangasinan showcased a holistic approach to development — one that bridges infrastructure, agriculture, and health. As the government continues to roll out projects under the Bagong Pilipinas banner, these initiatives stand as proof of its vision to build a stronger, healthier, and more resilient nation.