PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. sought to expand irrigation support for farmers as the country prepares for a strong El Niño expected from late 2026 to early 2027.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the government has proposed P30.44 billion for the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) Irrigation Services Program under the National Expenditure Program for fiscal year 2027.
The proposed funding is set to support the development of 11,153 hectares of new irrigation service areas across the country.
In a press briefing on Friday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said investments in irrigation form part of the administration’s food security agenda, particularly as the country faces potential disruptions to agricultural production due to El Niño.
“For President Marcos Jr., investment in irrigation is part of the government’s broader food security agenda, which includes support for farmers and fisherfolk, food production, and increasing farm productivity,” Castro said in Filipino.
The move, she said, aims to strengthen irrigation infrastructure to improve agricultural productivity and support farmers’ sources of income.
“It demonstrates the president’s strong commitment to the agricultural sector, despite all the challenges posed by climate change,” Castro said.
Castro said the government is also looking into alternative options, such as solar-powered systems, to boost support for the agriculture sector.
