President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the round-the-clock monitoring of Magat Dam in Isabela and Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija amid continuing heavy rainfall, to ensure the safety, structural integrity and reliable operations.

During a Palace press briefing Wednesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said that the President directed concerned agencies to closely monitor the dams’ water levels to ensure the safety of downstream communities.

“Alinsunod sa utos ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. na ipagpatuloy ang mahigpit na pagbabantay sa ating mga dam,” Castro said.

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA), led by Administrator Eduardo Guillen, reported that Magat Dam’s water level stood at 178.27 meters above sea level (masl), while Pantabangan Dam registered 187.72 meters above sea level, which are within normal levels. Magat Dam’s normal high water level is 190 masl, while Pantabangan Dam’s is 216 masl.

No spillway gates were open at either dam, and no spillway discharge had been recorded, the NIA said.

Castro added that Guillen also reported no widespread damage to rice crops despite the continuing rains.

She also noted that the rainfall has also benefited the agriculture sector by improving water availability for irrigation, particularly in areas previously affected by El Niño.

The NIA said Magat Dam has the capacity to irrigate about 90,000 hectares, while Pantabangan Dam can provide irrigation to around 100,000 hectares.

“Makakaasa naman ang taumbayan na ongoing ang pag-monitor ng NIA sa water level ng mga dam sa kabila ng sunod-sunod na pag-ulan,” Castro said.

The agency said it will continue to monitor the dams amid persistent rains to ensure the safety of downstream communities while supporting farmers’ irrigation needs. Presidential News Desk