Makati Mayor and senatorial candidate Abby Binay on Wednesday underscored the urgent need for greater government investment in irrigation, stressing that inadequate systems are holding back the country’s agricultural potential and food security.

“We need to put more money into our irrigation,” Binay said during a press briefing, emphasizing that a vast portion of the country’s farmland remains unutilized due to the lack of irrigation infrastructure.

Citing Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., she noted that over a million hectares of flatland remain unirrigated, a missed opportunity in the country’s push for food self-sufficiency.

“Imagine the potential of those lands in ensuring food security and reducing our reliance on imports,” Binay said.

While acknowledging other challenges faced by farmers, such as inadequate post-harvest facilities, Binay insisted that irrigation should be the government’s priority.

“Clearly, the support we are providing is not enough, especially in key agricultural areas,” she said. “But we must start with the most basic necessity — irrigation.”

Binay stressed that addressing irrigation gaps would boost agricultural productivity, reduce food imports, and ensure long-term food security for the nation.