The government will roll out around PHP1 billion worth of new heavy equipment for the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) by 2025, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.
Marcos issued the statement as he led the ceremonial turnover of about 148 newly procured heavy equipment of the NIA at the Global Construct City in Mexico, Pampanga.
The acquisition of new excavators, trailer trucks, and dumpers worth PHP782 million is the second tranche of the NIA’s 3-Year Refleeting Program, which is instrumental for the agency to achieve its goal of fast-tracking irrigation development.
“By 2025, we will roll out the third tranche of equipment, amounting to around PHP1 billion,” Marcos said.
“This investment in our irrigation infrastructure attests to our unwavering commitment to supporting the backbone of our economy — the agriculture sector,” he added.
The newly procured excavators, trailer trucks, and dumpers will be used by NIA regional offices and project management offices nationwide in the operation and maintenance of irrigation systems, especially in canal desilting operations in preparation for wet crop season.
NIA currently has around 257 national and 8,802 communal irrigation systems.
Marcos said the NIA’s refleeting program is vital in repairing and and building more irrigation facilities that were damaged by natural calamities.
“It is more important now as many parts of the country are still recovering from the onslaught of Typhoon(s) Carina and Butchoy,” he said, hoping that the program could help make the irrigation facilities withstand the challenges of shifting climate change.
Marcos vowed to continue finding solutions that work for Filipino farmers, stressing that his administration remains steadfast in employing sustainable technologies to meet the country’s irrigation needs.
He added that the new machinery units are part of the NIA’s efforts to ensure food security.
“With these [machinery] and with these equipment to optimize our irrigation systems, the NIA has provided services to more than half of our National Irrigation Systems and Communal Irrigation Systems,” Marcos said.
“In areas where dam construction is not feasible or where there is a need to pump water to irrigate farmlands, the NIA has provided renewable energy-driven irrigation systems,” he added.
As the lead agency for irrigation, NIA implements the development, construction, operation, and maintenance of canals and major irrigation structures.
House support
Meanwhile, Speaker Martin Romualdez reaffirmed the unwavering support of the House of Representatives for the initiatives of President Marcos aimed at enhancing the productivity of Filipino farmers.
“The House of Representatives stands firmly behind President Marcos Jr.’s vision of a more productive and resilient agricultural sector. Our farmers are the backbone of our nation, and it is our duty to provide them with the necessary support to thrive,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of bolstering the agricultural sector to ensure foods security, achieve sustainable growth, and improve the livelihood of Filipino farmers.
He said the House will scrutinize the proposed PHP6.352 trillion National Expenditure Program for 2025, particularly the specific allocations to further strengthen the country’s irrigation systems.
According to the Department of Budget and Management, the government has allocated PHP42 billion for 2025 to improve the irrigation system in the country.
“The proposed PHP42-billion allocation for irrigation is a testament to our dedication to improving agricultural productivity. By ensuring that our farmers have access to adequate water resources, we can significantly increase crop yields and boost their income,” Romualdez said. (PNA)
