By PR | 10:10 AM October 16, 2026
PILAR, Bohol — The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) is upgrading Malinao Dam in Bohol to nearly double its water storage capacity, a move expected to improve irrigation supply for farmers and strengthen flood protection for downstream communities.
The Malinao Dam Improvement Project (MDIP), being implemented under NIA Region VII and the leadership of Administrator Engr. Eddie G. Guillen, aims to increase the dam’s storage capacity from five million cubic meters to approximately nine million cubic meters.
The project involves modifying the existing bathtub spillway and constructing an auxiliary spillway. Both structures will be equipped with automated, controlled rubber weirs that can raise the spillway crest by up to two meters.
The upgrade is expected to benefit 799 farmers cultivating 740 hectares of farmland, particularly those in underserved areas at the tail ends of irrigation canals.
Malinao Irrigation System head Felix Guioguio said the dam’s relatively small reservoir and years of siltation had limited its storage capacity, particularly during the dry season.
“During heavy rainfall, despite receiving substantial river inflows, excess water spills even as it diverts water to the integrated Bayongan and Capayas dams. With MDIP, we can strengthen our water management,” Guioguio said.
Aside from improving irrigation services, the project is expected to enhance the dam’s capacity to manage excess water during heavy rainfall, helping strengthen flood protection for downstream communities.
In 2023, Malinao Dam reached a critical high spill level, prompting safety advisories and evacuation measures for residents living near rivers.
The P1.8-billion project had reached 30% physical accomplishment in Phase 1 and 13% in Phase 2 as of Sept. 30, 2026. Both phases were ahead of schedule, with completion targeted in 2028.
Once completed, the improvements are expected to ensure more reliable water delivery to farming communities, enhance the performance of the integrated irrigation systems that depend on the dam, and improve the safety and operational efficiency of the facility.
The Malinao Irrigation System serves the municipalities of Pilar, Dagohoy, San Miguel, Alicia and Ubay.
