LUTAYAN, Sultan Kudarat — A P1.071-billion diversion dam was officially inaugurated on Friday, marking a major infrastructure milestone expected to strengthen irrigation services and flood protection for thousands of hectares of farmland in the province.

The Antong Diversion Dam, managed by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), will provide irrigation support to more than 1,500 hectares of agricultural land and benefit approximately 355 farmers across 1,563 hectares in Sultan Kudarat. Construction of the project began in 2024.

The facility was completed in three major phases, which included the main dam structure, a hanging bridge, and several kilometers of protective dikes designed to reinforce riverbanks and surrounding agricultural areas against flooding.

During the inauguration ceremony, Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu highlighted the dam’s role as a critical safeguard against severe flooding events, particularly recalling the devastation caused by typhoon "Paeng" in 2022. He said the project represents a long-term investment in disaster resilience and agricultural stability for the province.

Mangudadatu also noted that the initiative reflects collaboration between the provincial government and national agencies to ensure that infrastructure projects deliver lasting benefits to future generations. He added that discussions are ongoing with the NIA regarding the potential development of hydropower facilities at the site, which could further expand the dam’s utility beyond irrigation and flood control.

While primarily designed as an agricultural and flood-control infrastructure, the Antong Diversion Dam has also begun attracting public interest as a local landmark, with visitors frequenting the area for photography and media production, adding a modest tourism dimension to the project.

Officials said the dam is expected to strengthen food security, stabilize farm productivity, and reduce climate-related risks in surrounding communities as extreme weather events become more frequent.