The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) must ensure that preparations for the continuing El Niño phenomenon are built into its 2027 budget, particularly measures that will secure water supply for farmers and protect agricultural production from prolonged dry conditions, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, the lawmaker sought answers from NIA officials on its proposed 2027 budget of P46.36 billion, 27% lower than its 2026 budget, during budget deliberations on Thursday, September 17.
Pangilinan, in particular, raised concern that funding for irrigation systems took a 58% hit under the lowered appropriations.
“Ilang buwan nang nagsasabi ang mga scientist sa PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), na dadating ang napakalakas na El Niño sa huling buwan ng 2026 hanggang sa unang anim na buwan ng 2027,” he said.
“Kaya hindi ngayon ang panahon para magtipid sa kanal, pumps, reservoir, communal irrigation, at pagkukumpuni ng irrigation systems. Walang accomplishment kung walang tubig na umaabot sa sakahan. At walang infrastructure kung hanggang papel lang ang proyekto. Lalong-lalo na sa panahon ng El Niño,” he added.
As the country’s food security czar from 2014 to 2015, Pangilinan oversaw the NIA and other agencies related to food security.
During his tenure, he worked to ensure that the agricultural sector, including irrigators’ associations, was adequately prepared for one of the longest El Niño episodes to hit the country.
The senator also said NIA must include provisions for farmers affected by the “unprecedented flooding” in Central Luzon, Northern Luzon, and Southern Luzon in recent months, driven by the enhanced southwest monsoon and typhoons.
He also plans to press government agencies on the implementation of the full public transparency portal he secured as a special provision in last year’s national budget.
The portal is designed to strengthen transparency and accountability by providing geotagged project information, government contracts and procurement documents, independent quality-testing results, and a publicly accessible dashboard.
“Huwag nating hintayin na tamaan tayo ng El Niño bago tayo kumilos. Ayusin natin ang irigasyon ngayon. Siguraduhin nating napupunta ang pondo sa magsasaka ngayon. At tiyakin nating bawat proyektong ipinapangako ng gobyerno ay aktuwal na gumagana sa bukid ngayon,” Pangilinan stressed.
“Gastusin ang budget nang may malinaw na resulta, malinaw na pananagutan, at tunay na pakinabang para sa magsasaka.”