By I. Inojales | 08:04 PM February 18, 2026
BUENAVISTA, Bohol — Construction of the Bonot-Bonot Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) in Barangay Rufohill is progressing steadily, with major civil works now in full swing as of February 17, 2026.
According to the National Irrigation Administration-7 (Central Visayas), ongoing activities include dam embankment rectification, installation of seepage drain channels, rock toe repair and boulder hauling, and the rehabilitation of access roads leading to both the project site and its designated borrow area.
As of January 31, 2026, the project has reached 53.35 percent completion and remains on track for its target completion date of April 15, 2026. While intermittent weather disturbances have caused minor delays, engineers and field personnel continue to implement measures to ensure the structure’s integrity, safety, and long-term durability.
The Bonot-Bonot SRIP is designed to irrigate approximately 550 hectares of agricultural land in Buenavista and nearby areas. Once operational, it is expected to directly benefit at least 220 farmer-beneficiaries by providing a more reliable water supply, particularly during dry months when rain-fed farms are most vulnerable.
Beyond increasing rice and crop yields, the irrigation facility is also seen as a crucial support mechanism for local food security and rural livelihood sustainability in northern Bohol. By stabilizing water access, the project aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on unpredictable rainfall and mitigate production losses during extended dry spells.
The NIA-7 said the project forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen irrigation infrastructure across Central Visayas and enhance agricultural resilience in the face of climate variability. With reports from NIA-7 and Helen Castaño
