ILOILO – Several dams in Western Visayas are showing above-normal water levels, prompting the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to call for continued public vigilance, even as none have reached critical status.
As of 8 a.m. on July 23, NIA Region 6 reported that most river irrigation systems (RIS) in the region remain within normal operational range. However, three dams — Santa Barbara RIS and Sibalom RIS in Iloilo, and Pangiplan RIS in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental — were found to be above normal levels and are under close observation.
“Ang ari di’ nga duha, ang Santa Barbara RIS Dam kag ang Sibalom nga ara sa Leon (town), ara siya sa warning sign. It means nga ang tubig above normal, pero indi pa siya critical. But we are monitoring this,” said Raffy Hilario, NIA-6 public relations officer.
The Santa Barbara RIS Dam in Barangay Tungay, Santa Barbara town registered 2.16 meters above river bed (marb), compared to its normal 1.8 marb.
Meanwhile, the Sibalom RIS Dam in Barangay Anonang, Leon, measured 2.4 marb, exceeding its normal level of 2.2 marb.
In Negros Occidental, the Pangiplan RIS Dam in Barangay Cabadiangan, Himamaylan City also showed an increase.
“Ang sa Himamaylan (above normal ini sya kay iya normal level 1.7 meters above river bed. Ang status subong as of 8 a.m. is 2.16, so indi ni siya normal. Gina-monitor gid sang NIA,” Hilario added.
Four other dams in Iloilo — Suague RIS (1.50 marb), Aganan RIS (1.70 marb), Jalaur RIS (23 meters above sea level or masl), and Barotac Viejo RIS (0.58 marb) — were reported to be within normal operating levels.
The Suague RIS Dam is located in Barangay Tolarucan, Mina while the Aganan RIS Dam is in Barangay Igtambo, San Miguel.
On the other hand, the Jalaur RIS Dam is in Barangay Moroboro, Dingle while the Barotac Viejo RIS Dam is located in Barangay Rizal, Barotac Viejo.
In Capiz, Antique, Aklan, and Negros Occidental, most dams are also operating normally:
* Capiz – Mambusao RIS (19.10 masl)
* Antique – Tipuluan (2.60 marb), Solong (2.20 marb), Nasuli (1.70 marb)
* Aklan – Aklan RIS East (18.70 masl), Aklan RIS West (18.50 masl)
* Negros Occidental – Bago RIS (3.84 marb)
Hilario clarified that dam structures vary, which affects how water levels are managed.
“Lain lain abi ang structure sang aton dams… Ang ga-overflow dira, ang ga-flow sa suba,” he explained.
“May ara man kita isa ka dam nga reservoir type… If mag abot na gid sa critical level, ga amat-amat release para ‘di maguba ‘ya dam,” he added, emphasizing safety mechanisms and protocols during heavy rainfall.
He also urged residents to rely on verified updates and coordinate with local authorities.
“Kami sa NIA padayon naga-monitor sa aton nga dams kag sa level sang tubig. Ginapalihog gid namon ang aton nga mga pamuluyo nga please magpamati sang insakto nga balita.”
The NIA assured the public that all dams are being closely monitored and are equipped with safety measures to prevent overflow or structural failure.
“We have communicated this information to the public to reassure them that, at this time, there are no critical statuses to be concerned about,” Hilario said./PN
