Business · Philippines Bureau
Zamboanga del Norte lawmaker criticizes meager NIA irrigation allocation
A congressman from Zamboanga del Norte has challenged the National Irrigation Administration's proposed 2027 budget allocation, claiming the P7 million earmarked for his district falls significantly short of what neighboring provinces are receiving.
LSN Philippines ·
PAGADIAN CITY – Rep. Adrian Michael Amatong of Zamboanga del Norte's 3rd District has raised concerns about the National Irrigation Administration's irrigation budget proposal for 2027, describing the P7 million allocation to his district as inadequate and disproportionate.
Amatong contends that the funding level does not reflect the irrigation infrastructure needs of his constituency compared to allocations made to neighboring provinces, particularly Zamboanga del Sur. The congressman has questioned the basis for what he characterizes as an inequitable distribution of national irrigation resources.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions between local lawmakers and central government agencies regarding budget priorities in Mindanao. Irrigation development has been identified as critical to agricultural productivity in the region, with farming communities depending heavily on reliable water systems for crop production.
The proposed 2027 budget allocation now faces scrutiny as legislators review spending priorities ahead of the budget approval process. Amatong's challenge suggests potential legislative debate over how irrigation funds are distributed among the nation's provinces.