PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said his administration would continue to uplift farmers’ lives, with over P63 billion allocated this year for the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) projects to expand agricultural infrastructure and provide modern equipment for the country’s farmers.
“Makaaasa po kayong patuloy ang Administrasyong ito sa pagbibigay sa ating mga magsasaka ng mas mabilis na access sa ganiyang sari-saring teknolohiya, sa sari-saring pagsasanay, suporta pa para umangat at maging mas maginhawa pa ang inyong mga buhay,” President Marcos said as he led the inauguration of the Mahayag Dam and turnover of solar-powered pump irrigation projects in Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur.
The Chief Executive said nearly P300 billion was allocated for the various programs and projects of the agriculture sector this year.
“Ibig sabihin ay mas maraming imprastraktura at modernong makinarya para sa ating mga masisipag na magsasaka na inaasahan hindi lamang ng Zamboanga Peninsula kung hindi ng buong Pilipinas para sa ating tinatawag na food supply,” the President said.
From the budget of the Department of Agriculture, more than P33 billion was allotted for the construction and rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads for 2026, with P370 million allocated to farm-to-market roads in Zamboanga del Sur.
Likewise, almost P731 million was allotted to Small Scale Irrigation Projects, the President said.
President Marcos said the government has prioritized provinces that produce rice, corn, and high-value crops, and areas with concentration of farmers registered under the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).
“Higit sa lahat, tinututukan natin ang mga rehiyon kung saan marami sa mga magsasaka ang higit na nangangailangan,” President Marcos said.
Together with the DA and the NIA, the President said the government is committed to strengthen food security, protect farmers’ livelihoods, and boost crop sales and income through targeted government programs.
President Marcos thanked farmers once again for their efforts to provide food for every Filipino family, and urged them to avail of government assistance for access to machinery, technology and training.
“Sulitin ninyo ang pagkakataong ito upang mapagaan ang inyong trabaho. Gamitin ninyo ang mga bagong makinarya, teknolohiya, at kaalaman upang mapataas ang inyong kita at mabigyan ng mas magandang kinabukasan ang inyong sarili at ang inyong pamilya,” the Chief Executive said.
The President also hoped that farmers would inspire the youth who dream of improving the agricultural sector and serving the country.
“Dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, ang bawat magsasaka ay makakatanggap ng angkop na suporta tungo sa masaganang ani, matatag na kabuhayan, at maunlad na kinabukasan,” President Marcos said. PCO
The post Over P63B allotted for irrigation appeared first on Journal News Online.
