President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has instructed government agencies to expand irrigation service areas across the Philippines in 2027 to boost agricultural productivity and bolster support for local farmers.
Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro announced that the Marcos administration is proposing P30.44 billion for the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) Irrigation Services Program under the Fiscal Year 2027 National Expenditure Program. The allocated funding aims to establish 11,153 hectares of new irrigation service areas nationwide.
Highlighting the administration’s priority on sustainable food production, Castro emphasized the connection between infrastructure investment and national stability. “Para kay Pangulong Marcos Jr., ang investment sa irigasyon ay bahagi ng mas malawak na food security agenda ng pamahalaan kasama ang suporta sa mga magsasaka at mangingisda, produksiyon ng pagkain at pagpapataas ng farm productivity,” Castro said.
The Chief Executive stressed that fortifying irrigation infrastructure remains essential for improving crop yields and safeguarding rural livelihoods against climate-induced hazards, such as the adverse effects of El Niño.
To further modernise the sector, the government is also looking into alternative technology, including solar-powered irrigation networks. “Ipinapakita rin nito ang matibay na pangako ng Pangulo sa sektor ng agrikultura sa kabila ng lahat ng hamong dulot ng climate change,” Castro added.