President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call to construct “big dams” during a recent meeting with National Irrigation Administration (NIA) officials reflects an ambitious vision to address the country’s persistent water scarcity and agricultural challenges, the emphasis on massive infrastructure projects that raise sustainability, community impact, and environmental costs.
The Philippines undeniably faces a water crisis exacerbated by climate change, and drought threatens food security, leaving millions of farmers dependent on rain-fed agriculture at risk. Marcos’s proposal for large dams addresses these issues by ensuring a reliable water supply for irrigation. However, history shows that big dams are not the silver bullet they are made out to be.
Large dams have long been touted as progress but also have a heavy price. Take, for instance, the controversial Chico River Dam Project during Marcos Sr.’s regime. Although intended to bolster irrigation and power generation, the project was marred by protests from indigenous communities whose ancestral lands were threatened.
The issue remains the same, with big dams requiring vast tracts of land, often displacing rural and indigenous communities. The environmental impact is also severe, with large reservoirs submerging forests, disrupting ecosystems, and altering river flows.
Suppose PBBM is serious about addressing the irrigation problem. Still, in that case, he must learn from these mistakes and avoid repeating the extractive, top-down approach that prioritizes infrastructure over people and the environment.
Instead of focusing solely on large dams, the government should explore alternative irrigation solutions that are more sustainable, cost-effective, and equitable. Small-scale irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and watershed management can be implemented at the community level, minimizing displacement and environmental harm. These decentralized approaches suit the Philippines’ geography and local needs.
Moreover, modern irrigation technologies like drip and sprinkler systems can significantly reduce water waste while increasing agricultural productivity. These methods may not carry the grandeur of big dams, but they offer practical, long-term solutions to water scarcity.
Yes, Marcos’ vow to provide sufficient funds for irrigation programs is commendable, but past irrigation projects in the Philippines have been plagued by corruption, mismanagement, and delays. There is a real risk that the promised funds could be squandered, leaving farmers worse off than before.
Track records include failed and incomplete projects, often at the expense of taxpayers and farmers.
The push for big dams is a broader tension in Philippine development of the allure of grand infrastructure projects versus the need for sustainable, inclusive growth. While large dams may play a role in addressing the country’s water and irrigation challenges, they should not be the default solution.
PBBM must recognize that development is not merely about pouring concrete— it’s about empowering people, protecting the environment, and creating enduring systems. By prioritizing sustainability and community engagement over sheer scale, the government can deliver irrigation solutions that genuinely serve the Filipino people.
In the race to secure water for agriculture, bigger is not always better. It’s time to think smarter, not larger.
