PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered round-the-clock monitoring of the Magat Dam in Isabela and Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija as heavy rains continue across parts of the country.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Wednesday that Marcos directed concerned agencies to closely track the dams’ water levels to protect downstream communities and ensure the facilities remain safe and operational.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) reported that Magat Dam’s water level was at 178.27 meters above sea level (masl), while Pantabangan Dam stood at 187.72 masl—both still within normal levels.
Magat Dam has a normal high water level of 190 masl, while Pantabangan Dam’s is 216 masl.
NIA Administrator Eduardo Guillen also reported that no spillway gates were open and no spillway discharge had been recorded at either dam.
Despite the continued rains, Castro said there was no widespread damage to rice crops reported so far.
The Palace also noted that the rains have provided a benefit to agriculture by boosting water supplies for irrigation, particularly in areas previously hit by El Niño.
Magat Dam can supply irrigation to about 90,000 hectares, while Pantabangan Dam can support around 100,000 hectares of farmland.
NIA said it will maintain close monitoring of both dams as rains persist to ensure the safety of communities downstream while securing sufficient water for farmers.
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