Politics · Philippines Bureau
NIA seeks bigger budget allocation to push irrigation projects
The National Irrigation Administration has appealed to lawmakers for increased funding in next year's budget, warning that proposed cuts could delay critical irrigation infrastructure development across the country.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The National Irrigation Administration on Tuesday urged House of Representatives members to boost the agency's allocation in the 2027 National Expenditure Program, cautioning that reduced funding could compromise planned irrigation initiatives. NIA officials presented their concerns during the House committee on appropriations' review of the budget proposal, highlighting the gap between required resources and the initially proposed funding levels. The agency stressed that irrigation infrastructure projects are essential for supporting agricultural productivity and food security across multiple regions. NIA officials did not specify the exact funding shortfall or which projects would be most affected by potential budget constraints. The appeal comes as Congress continues its deliberations on the national budget for the coming year, with various government agencies competing for limited appropriations.