NIA seeks restoration of proposed P132 billion budget

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has asked for the restoration of its original proposed budget of P132 billion for 2024, saying such allocation is needed to counter the looming threat of El Niño and to achieve food security.

In a letter sent to House Speaker Martin Romualdez dated September 18, NIA Acting Administrator Eddie Guillen cited the recent announcement from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on the early arrival and potential intensification of El Niño.

Of the original requested funding for 2024, the Department of Budget and Management only allocated P41.2 billion for NIA.

“There is a 56% chance that this El Niño will be classified as strong and a 25% chance that it could reach supersized levels. This surprising crisis forecast forces a rethink of our budgetary allocations in favor of irrigation projects, which means a substantial increase in budget level for 2023 and utilization of 2023 savings from other agencies towards more irrigation projects,” Guillen said.

He said this would include funding smaller but immediately usable solar pumps, engine-driven pumps, and solar-powered desalination plants/equipment to augment fresh water supply for farms, thereby reducing supply pressures for household demand.

"We humbly request your kind consideration in light of our original budget ceiling request,” Guillen added.

He also noted that significant adjustments, including comprehensive digitalization efforts and enhanced monitoring, have been set in motion to expedite project procurement and execution, alongside close monitoring of the completion of feasibility studies and detailed engineering designs of the priority projects in the pipeline.

The NIA chief said given the current policy environment and the size of annual budget allocations, it is estimated that it would take considerable number of years to achieve 100% coverage of irrigation without substantial changes, especially in the budget.

"This is not ideal, considering the urgent need to address food security and uplift the livelihoods of our farmers. To expedite progress and substantially contribute to accelerated and inclusive economic growth, I strongly recommended a dramatic increase in funding for irrigation infrastructure,” Guillen said.

“We firmly believe that our original budget ceiling request aligns with these factors and would allow us to fulfill our mission better and serve the interests of the Filipino people. We are committed to  ensuring the efficient utilization of resources and the successful implementation of crucial projects under the NIA's jurisdiction,” he added.—AOL, GMA Integrated News