Piñol seeks additional P4 B in 2017 budget

MANILA, Philippines - Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol is proposing an additional P4 billion in the 2017 budget of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to fulfill the commitment of the Duterte administration of free irrigation starting next year.

The NIA had earlier suggested a budget of P36.8 billion for 2017. If the additional funding will be approved, the agency’s allocation will amount to P40.8 billion.

“By providing an additional funding, NIA will no longer depend on the collections from irrigation fees of farmers for the salaries of its officials and employees and for its operations,” Piñol said.

NIA spokesperson Filipina Bermudez said the 2017 budget is allotted for the construction, restoration, and rehabilitation of irrigation projects and existing irrigation systems.

“The GAA (General Appropriations Act) for 2017 is not for PS and MOOE (personal services and maintenance and other operating expenses). It should be explicitly stated that part of the P40 billion is for PS and MOOE,” Bermudez told The STAR.

Bermudez admitted the irrigation service fees (ISF) collection has been difficult for the agency following pronouncements of the free irrigation.

“Based on the assessment of NIA’s finances, our current status without incoming ISF collection will be good up to September only,” she said.

“This means that without assistance from the national government for the fourth quarter, NIA will not have enough funds for regular operation and maintenance of irrigation systems including salaries and allowance of employees,” Bermudez said in a text message.

NIA collects up to P2 billion in irrigation fees annually and relies on the fees for employees’ salaries and allowance, as well as funding for operations and maintenance of existing irrigation systems in the country.

“This is the most ridiculous situation in Philippine agriculture where it is the farmers who are being made to pay for the salaries and wages of a government entity which is tasked to provide them with water so that they could produce food for the country,” Piñol said.

Meanwhile, the Agri chief has sought the support of the Senate to implement the plan and gained positive feedback from Senate President Franklin Drilon and senators Loren Legarda, Cynthia Villar, Koko Pimentel, Alan Peter Cayetano, Manny Pacquiao and Kiko Pangilinan.

Piñol said the free irrigation is also being supported by congressmen from different provinces including Leyte, Samar, Biliran and the Bicol region, among others.

“I expect the free irrigation commitment of the President will sail through both the Lower and Upper Houses of Congress smoothly,” he said.