The viral crumbling canals in Mabini belong to an older irrigation facility built in 2011, according to the National Irrigation Administration.
NIA said workers later connected the siphon canals to the Mabini-Cayacay Small Reservoir Irrigation Project. The damaged sections shown online were not newly built as part of the reservoir project.
However, years of exposure to the elements weakened some parts of the old canal network. Therefore, NIA has started repairing and rehabilitating the affected structures.
NIA Explains the Viral Crumbling Canals in Mabini
A viral video raised concerns about the condition of the irrigation canals. It showed cracked and crumbling sections near the Mabini-Cayacay irrigation facility.
In response, NIA clarified that the damaged canals date back to 2011. Workers built them several years before the reservoir project received funding.
Later, the agency incorporated the older canals into the wider irrigation network. As a result, the system now includes both old and newer structures.
Repair and Rehabilitation Work Underway
NIA said it already knew about the poor condition of some siphon canals. The agency identified them as critical structures during inspections and test runs.
Because of this, NIA requested funding for repairs and rehabilitation. Work on the affected canal sections has since begun.
The agency aims to keep water flowing while workers restore the damaged structures. Moreover, the repairs should allow the system to serve more farms.
Irrigation Water Reaches Local Farms
Despite the ongoing repairs, parts of the Mabini-Cayacay irrigation system now supply water to agricultural areas.
According to local farmer beneficiaries, regular irrigation has already improved some harvests. Farms that once depended mainly on rain now have a more stable water supply.
However, damaged siphon canals can limit the reach of the irrigation system. Therefore, NIA must complete the repairs to bring water to more of the project’s intended service area.
Old Structures Raise Questions About Public Projects
The viral video sparked public discussion about government infrastructure, maintenance, and accountability.
NIA said its immediate priority is to repair the canals and keep the irrigation system operational. At the same time, the agency stressed that officials must review project documents and inspect completed work.
The issue also raises an important question for communities and policymakers:
What should come first—repairing and maintaining old structures or building new irrigation facilities?
Both approaches can support farmers. However, proper maintenance remains essential to ensure that public infrastructure continues to work safely and effectively.
The ongoing rehabilitation of the viral crumbling canals in Mabini will determine how many farms can receive reliable irrigation water in the coming seasons.
Photo credit: INQUIRER.net
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