President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday led the ceremonial turnover of 229 newly procured vehicles and maintenance equipment to various irrigators’ associations across the country to strengthen irrigation services and support farmers facing the worsening impacts of climate change.
The equipment — comprising dump trucks, backhoes, excavators, and 17 mini buses — forms the third tranche of the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) Re-fleeting program and is designed to boost the agency’s capacity to maintain and develop irrigation systems critical to agricultural production.
Speaking at the turnover rites in Barangay Wawa, Taguig City, Marcos emphasized the urgency of supporting farmers amid extreme weather conditions, including the El Niño phenomenon.
“Napakahalaga ng re-fleeting program ng NIA lalo na po sa panahon ngayon. Mabigat ang pagsubok na kinakaharap ng ating mga magsasaka na dulot ng climate change — mas matinding init, mas malalang ulan, at pabago-bagong at hindi malaman na panahon (The NIA’s re-fleeting program is especially important now. Our farmers face serious challenges brought by climate change — intense heat, heavier rains, and unpredictable weather),” Marcos said.
The NIA manages 257 national and 8,802 communal irrigation systems across the Philippines.
The new equipment is expected to increase efficiency in regular operations, including desilting canals, repairing damaged irrigation structures, and transporting heavy machinery to project sites.
“Mula Luzon hanggang Mindanao, mapa-lowland o upland farming, siguradong may maaasahang sistemang patubig ang mga magsasaka (From Luzon to Mindanao, whether lowland or upland farming, farmers can rely on a dependable irrigation system),” the President said.
The 17 mini buses will also improve mobility for NIA personnel during field inspections, consultations, and inter-agency coordination, reducing operational costs and improving worker safety.
Listen to farmers
The President reminded NIA personnel to use the equipment responsibly and maintain strong engagement with farmers.
“Makinig sa kanilang mga hinaing. Huwag hintayin na sila ang lumapit sa inyo. Kayo na ang umikot sa ating mga magsasaka (Listen to their concerns. Don’t wait for them to come to you. Go to our farmers yourselves),” he said.
Marcos also thanked farmers and reiterated his administration’s commitment to rural development and food security.
“Kayo po, aming mahal na magsasaka, ang isa sa mga haligi ng ating bansa (You, our beloved farmers, are one of the pillars of our nation),” he said.
“Hindi po titigil ang administrasyong ito sa pagpapatupad ng mga programa na magpapabuti ng iyong kinabukasan (This administration will not stop in implementing programs that will improve your lives).” (PNA)
