The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has not yet received funds for the replacement of the two damaged rubber gates at Bustos Dam in Bulacan, according to Christian Manalo, acting regional manager.

The rubber gate number 5 was damaged on May 10, 2020, allegedly due to substandard materials, while the rubber gate number 3 failed on May 1, 2025, due to extreme heat.

According to NIA, all six rubber gates of the dam must be replaced. A concern has already been forwarded to President Bongbong Marcos Jr. 

Region 3 Acting Regional Manager Christian Manalo stated that the budget has been submitted to the Office of the President (OP), and they are waiting for the approval of the ₱1.5 billion budget required for the gate replacements.

“So, waiting lang kami doon sa ire-release ng office sakaling mapagbigyan ‘yong request namin,” he said

[“So, we are waiting on what the office will release just in case they approve our request.”]

The NIA noted that, when the OP approves the request and replaces the gates, there would be no reason for them to install copper and steel sheet pile. This would also ensure efficient irrigation for farmers and alleviate fears of flooding during typhoon season.

With reports from Nestor Torres