Two new dams built in Cagayan

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December 15, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — New water impounding dams have been inaugurated in the municipality of Claveria in Cagayan, marking the latest government measures to boost irrigation and support farmers in the northern province.

In a statement yesterday, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) said the Bacsay and Tabbugan Water Impounding Dams opened a day earlier, Dec. 6.

“Serving six barangays and irrigating 498.51 hectares, Bacsay will benefit 596 farmers from five Irrigators Associations (IAs), boosting crop production and local food security,” said the government agency.

Meanwhile, the Tabbugan dam covers five barangays and is expected to irrigate 1,473.80 hectares, support 10 irrigators associations and benefit 1,888 farmers and their families.

NIA said their officials also visited the Union Water Impounding Dam, which was inaugurated in October 2025.

Together, the three water impounding dams are seen providing irrigation to more than 3,000 farmers across Cagayan.

The facilities are expected to improve water availability for farmers, helping stabilize crop production in the covered areas.

Water impounding dams collect and store rainwater and runoff in a reservoir, allowing farmers to access a reliable water supply even during dry periods.

The stored water can be released gradually to irrigate farmland, helping stabilize crop production and prevent losses due to drought.

The government classifies dams in the country into four main types: earthfill, rockfill, concrete or rubble masonry and composite.

Earthfill dams are made primarily of compacted soil and rely on their weight to hold back water.

Rockfill dams use rocks and boulders, often with an impervious core to prevent leakage.

In comparison, concrete or rubble masonry dams are built from cement or stone blocks, providing strength and durability.

On the other hand, composite dams combine two or more of these materials, allowing engineers to adapt to the terrain, available resources, and specific purposes.

Last month, the Senate approved NIA’s P45.07-billion 2026 budget to finance irrigation projects nationwide, including the building and upkeep of dams and water systems.