More Water for Bohol’s Farms
BOHOL - The improvement project is expected to benefit 799 farmers cultivating about 740 hectares of farmland, particularly agricultural areas located at the tail ends of irrigation canals. The dam’s relatively small reservoir and years of silt accumulation have limited its storage capacity, especially during the dry season. Increasing the reservoir’s capacity could help provide a more dependable supply for interconnected irrigation systems, including the Bayongan and Capayas dams. For farmers, better water management can support more consistent agricultural activity and help strengthen local food production.
Preparing for Heavy Rainfall Too
The project is not only about storing more water—it is also designed to improve how the dam handles excess water. The planned improvements include modifications to the existing bathtub spillway and the construction of an auxiliary spillway, both equipped with automated rubber weirs that can raise the spillway crest by up to two meters. This added capacity is important because heavy rainfall can quickly increase water levels. The dam reached a critical high spill level in 2023, leading to safety advisories and evacuation measures for communities near rivers. Improving water control can therefore provide benefits for both agriculture and downstream safety.
A Long-Term Investment in Bohol’s Water Security
As of September 30, 2026, the project’s first phase was 30 percent complete, while the second phase had reached 13 percent, with both reported ahead of schedule. The entire improvement project is targeted for completion in 2028. Once finished, the upgraded dam is expected to improve irrigation reliability, water distribution, operational efficiency, and safety across the interconnected systems serving Pilar, Dagohoy, San Miguel, Alicia, and Ubay. More than a construction project, the upgrade represents an investment in Bohol’s ability to manage water for farms and communities through changing weather conditions. With more storage and better control, Malinao Dam could become an even stronger part of Bohol’s agricultural and climate-resilience efforts.
