President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday hailed the completion of the Union Water Impounding Dam in Claveria, Cagayan as a concrete example that the government can deliver fast, effective, and reliable flood control infrastructure.
Speaking before local farmers during the inauguration of the dam, President Marcos proudly shared that the project was completed in only 14 months.
“Ito po ay binubuksan po natin – ito ay para naman maipakita natin, itong project po na ito, nagsimula ito sa termino ko, natapos din sa termino ko,” the President said. “Fourteen months, zero ito, wala ito. Pero 14 months later, ito na, mayroon na tayo.”
Amid controversies surrounding flood control projects, the President said the successful completion of the Union Dam proves that with proper planning, sound design, and efficient implementation, the government can deliver reliable and effective flood mitigation infrastructure that truly benefits the people.
“Ibig sabihin napatunayan natin na maaaring gumawa ng magandang flood control na effective. Basta’t maayos ang pagpagawa, maayos ang disenyo, maayos ang implementasyon, wala tayong makikitang problema,” President Marcos said.
The Union Dam not only protects rice fields from flooding, but also provides year-round irrigation to support crop yields.
The President explained that the structure is technically a weir—a low dam designed to regulate river flow – which allows water to be managed during heavy rains, helping to prevent flooding in vulnerable downstream communities.
The project also includes a sluice gate system, which diverts water to irrigate up to 3,600 hectares of farmland, benefitting more than 1,000 farmers across seven barangays, according to the President.
The Union Dam is a joint initiative between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), and forms part of a broader convergence strategy to address flood control, irrigation, and rural development.
President Marcos also highlighted the dam’s potential to become a tourist destination, noting that the area has begun attracting locals for recreation and water activities.
“Ang daming puwedeng gawin dito. Kaya ako’y tuwang-tuwa na mapunta rito, makita itong natapos natin na flood control project na makita natin ay makakatulong sa mga lahat ng nandito sa valley,” the President said. | PND
