ILOILO City – The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) – Region 6 has assured the public that dam operations across Iloilo and nearby river systems in Panay Island remain under control, with water levels still within safe limits following days of rainfall brought by Super Typhoon “Uwan” (international name: Fung-Wong).
As of noon on Sunday, November 9, 2025, NIA’s regional office reported that no major dam in Iloilo had reached critical level, though several facilities showed slight increases in elevation due to sustained inflow from the upper catchments.
In San Miguel town, the Aganan Dam measured 2.64 meters above river bed (marb) — just above its 2.6 marb normal mark — prompting the opening of one of its two sluice gates to stabilize inflow. The Sta. Barbara Dam also saw a rise to 2.05 marb from its 1.8 marb normal operating level, though no gates were opened as of the latest reading.
Over in Mina, the Suague River Irrigation System (RIS) Dam recorded 2.0 marb, below its 2.5 marb standard, with one sluice gate released to regulate downstream discharge. The Barotac Viejo Dam in Barangay Rizal, Barotac Viejo, remained within normal at 1.28 marb, while Sibalom Diversion Dam in Leon reached 2.25 marb, slightly over its 2.2 marb baseline but still classified as safe.
Further north in Dingle, the Jalaur Dam stood at 22 meters above sea level (masl) — still under its 24 masl normal operating elevation — with three of its 13 main gates opened to manage river flow.
NIA-Region 6 said all irrigation systems, including those under the Aganan–Sta. Barbara, Jalaur–Suague, Barotac Viejo, and Sibalom–Tigbauan clusters, are being closely monitored by field engineers in coordination with local disaster councils and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
While Typhoon Uwan has already moved away from Western Visayas, authorities reminded residents living near riverbanks and low-lying areas to remain alert, as intermittent rains may still trigger localized flooding or rapid river rise.
“Continuous monitoring and coordination are in place to ensure the safety of our irrigation structures and the communities downstream,” the NIA said in its regional bulletin, emphasizing that all emergency hotlines remain active for public inquiries and reporting./PN
