The Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) will hold a public consultation on April 7, 2026, for the proposed Paculago Small Reservoir Irrigation Project in Sta. Maria, Isabela.
The activity will allow the project developer, the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), to present an overview of the project and gather feedback, concerns, and other inputs from the public.
Based on project documents, the irrigation project is estimated to cost P1.84 billion. Around P1.07 billion will be allocated for the construction of the dam and related structures, while about P383.54 million will fund irrigation and drainage facilities.
The project will cover more than 1,400 hectares of farmland and aims to address long-standing irrigation problems in the area. It is expected to provide a stable, year-round water supply, reducing farmers’ dependence on rainfall.
NIA said current rainfed farms are vulnerable to unpredictable weather, limiting planting schedules and crop yields. With the project, cropping intensity could increase to up to 200 percent, allowing farmers to plant more frequently and grow a wider range of crops.
The reservoir is designed to hold about 7.8 million cubic meters of water, supporting improved farm productivity, higher incomes, and additional livelihood opportunities.
The project is also expected to bring added benefits such as aquaculture development, better farm-to-market roads, and improved access to agricultural support services. Construction is projected to take about thre
