ANTONG DAM RESTORATION BRINGS NEW HOPE TO 355 FARMERS
NIA Region XII – After years of challenges caused by the collapse of a major irrigation infrastructure, 355 farmer-beneficiaries are now assured of more stable rice production and improved livelihoods with the inauguration of the rehabilitated Antong Dam and Irrigation System in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat on June 25, 2026.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen led the unveiling of the project marker and the ceremonial opening of the intake gates to officially restore irrigation services to farming communities in the area.
The Antong Dam was originally constructed in 1987 and completed in 1992. However, in 2021, intense rainfall and flooding along the Buayan River severely damaged the downstream section of the dam. Despite immediate interventions by NIA, local government units (LGUs), and Irrigators’ Associations (IAs), repeated flooding led to the complete failure of the dam structure. The damage disrupted irrigation services and affected the farming activities of members of the Upper Center Lower Baluno (UCLB) IA, whose rice lands cover 1,563.09 hectares.
Recognizing the urgent need to restore irrigation, NIA undertook the construction and rehabilitation of the Antong Dam to ensure a dependable water supply for agricultural production. With the completion of the project in 20 months, irrigation water will once again reach the agricultural lands in the barangays of Antong, Sampong, and Manili, benefitting 355 farmers and their families.
For local farmers, the restored irrigation system means more than just water. It represents renewed opportunities to increase cropping intensity, improve harvests, reduce production risks, and secure better incomes for their households.
NIA Administrator Guillen emphasized that the rehabilitation of the Antong Dam reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening irrigation infrastructure and supporting Filipino farmers.
“Ang proyektong ito ay patunay ng ating matatag na paninindigan para food security ng ating bansa, matiyak ang maaasahan at pangmatagalang serbisyong pang-irigasyon para sa ating mga magsasaka. Kasabay nito, ang Antong Dam ay nagiging atraksyon din para sa turismo at iba pang gawaing pampamayanan. Nagbubukas ito ng dagdag na oportunidad sa kabuhayan at nagpapasigla sa lokal na ekonomiya.,” Administrator Guillen said.
The project is anchored on the Marcos Administration’s broader efforts to modernize the country’s irrigation systems and strengthen agricultural resilience, particularly in areas vulnerable to climate-related disasters.
NIA Region XII Regional Manager Engr. Diosdado A. Rosales, representatives from different government agencies, local government officials, IA officers, and farmers attended the event.
As water flows once again through the rehabilitated system, hundreds of farming families in Sultan Kudarat are expected to reap the benefits of a more secure and sustainable agricultural future.
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