Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay yesterday emphasized the urgent need for greater government support for irrigation to strengthen food security and support local farmers.

Speaking at a press briefing in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Binay said a significant portion of the country’s agricultural potential remains untapped due to inadequate irrigation systems.

“We need to put more money into our irrigation,” she said.

The mayor cited a statement of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. that said over a million hectares of flatland remained unirrigated.

“Imagine the potential of those lands for us to achieve food security and not rely on food importation,” she said.

The mayor also noted other challenges faced by farmers, among them, post-harvest facilities critical to ensuring the quality and shelf life of produce.

“Clearly, the support we are giving is not enough, especially in key areas,” she said.

“But I believe we should begin with the most basic necessity, which is irrigation,” she added.

Investing in irrigation will enhance agricultural productivity, reduce dependency on food imports, and secure the nation’s long-term food supply, Binay said.