VILLABA, Leyte — Agriculture in western Leyte received a major boost after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the inauguration of the P1.21-billion Hibulangan Reservoir Irrigation Project in Barangay Hibulangan on Thursday, April 30, a facility expected to significantly improve water access and farm productivity in the province.
The irrigation system is set to benefit 1,821 farmers covering about 2,750 hectares of farmland across the towns of Villaba, Matag-ob, and Kananga, providing a more reliable water source for rice and other crops.
Marcos, speaking before farmer-beneficiaries, paid tribute to Filipino farmers, calling them “modern-day heroes” who continue to sustain the country’s food supply despite economic and climate challenges.
He underscored irrigation as a critical foundation of agricultural development, stressing that even high-quality seeds and inputs cannot maximize yields without sufficient water supply.
The President also encouraged local officials to explore additional uses of the reservoir area, including eco-tourism and fisheries, to generate extra livelihood opportunities for surrounding communities.
Originally initiated in 2013 under the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III, the project has now been completed and fully operational.
Farmers in the area welcomed the development, saying it would reduce dependence on rainfall and expensive water pumping systems.
Dindo Comonol, a farmer and barangay councilor, said the irrigation system is expected to significantly increase harvests.
He noted that production costs have also risen sharply due to fuel price increases, adding pressure on farmers already struggling with expenses.
Villaba Mayor Carlos Veloso expressed gratitude for the project, noting that Marcos is the first sitting president to visit the municipality.
He said the irrigation facility represents a long-awaited solution that will strengthen the local farming sector and improve productivity across multiple barangays.
The Hibulangan Reservoir Irrigation Project features a 25-meter-high earthfill dam with a storage capacity of about 9.01 million cubic meters, supported by an extensive network of canals and hydraulic structures designed to efficiently distribute water to farmlands.
Officials said the project is expected to enhance agricultural resilience and contribute to long-term food security in Eastern Visayas.
