Manila, Feb. 12 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the inauguration of the rehabilitated Mahayag Dam in Zamboanga del Sur, signaling renewed support for farming communities in the province.

With its long-awaited operationalization, the upgraded Mahayag Dam now ensures efficient water diversion, improves irrigation reliability and agricultural productivity in the region, and enhances flood control to safeguard homes and livelihoods, the President said.

Originally built in 1967 during the administration of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., the Mahayag Dam is a key component of the Salug River Irrigation System (Salug RIS), providing water to over 5,000 hectares of farmland.

Severe flooding in late 2022 and ear...