PALICO DAM. The Palico River Irrigation System in Nasugbu, Batangas is one of the major systems under close observation by the National Irrigation Administration office in Calabarzon. Vince Santoalla, public relations officer of NIA, said on Tuesday (July 23, 2024) they are monitoring various dams in the region amid continuous rains. (Photo courtesy of NIA-Calabarzon)
CALAMBA CITY, Laguna – The National Irrigation Administration-Region 4A (NIA-Calabarzon) is closely monitoring dams in Cavite and Batangas as water levels rose due to heavy rains brought about by the southwest monsoon enhanced by Typhoon Carina.
In a phone interview on Tuesday, Vince Santoalla, public relations officer of NIA-4A, said staff are monitoring various dams in the region, particularly Cavite and Batangas provinces.
"Our field personnel are actively monitoring irrigation systems to take early action and prevent potential damage caused by the typhoon," he said.
In Batangas, Santoalla identified the Palico River Irrigation System (RIS) in Nasugbu town as one of the major systems under close observation.
In Cavite, attention is focused on the Balayungan RIS and Sahing RIS in Naic town; Butas RIS in Gen. Trias City; Tres Cruzes RIS and Matanda RIS in Tanza town; and Pasong Kastila RIS and Makuling RIS in Imus City.
"As of 10 a.m. today, the intake gates of the dams remain open to facilitate water flow into irrigation canals, while the sluice gates near the dams have been closed," Santoalla reported. "Currently, water levels in the dams have not reached spilling point."
Further, he disclosed that proactive measures by the agency, including Senior Water Resource Facility Technicians, gatekeepers, and irrigators associations, have included canal cleanup efforts to maintain uninterrupted water flow to rice fields.
"Up to this morning, there have been no reports of damages or water spills in the monitored areas," Santoalla said. (PNA)
