Gatchalian eyes bigger irrigation budget ahead 2027 talks

Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for increased funding for major irrigation projects, warning that underinvestment could hamper farm productivity and threaten long-term food security.

Gatchalian, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, recently inspected the Balog-Balog Multi-Purpose Project Phase II in Tarlac — a flagship initiative of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) designed to irrigate 34,000 hectares of farmland and benefit about 21,000 farmers.

The P18-billion project, which began years ago and is slated for completion by March 2029, received only P641.67 million under this year’s General Appropriations Act — a figure that NIA and other stakeholders say is far from sufficient to keep construction on track.

“Sa site visits, nakikita natin ang kahalagahan ng ganitong mga proyekto. Ngayon at naririnig natin ang hinaing ng mga tao, sisiguraduhin ko na hindi matatanggal ang budget para sa proyektong pang-irigasyon, bagkus, madadagdagan pa (During site visits, we see the importance of projects like these. Now that we are hearing the concerns of the people, I will make sure that the budget for irrigation projects will not be removed — instead, it will even be increased),” Gatchalian said.

He emphasized that irrigation projects are critical not only for boosting crop yields but also for protecting communities from flooding and ensuring a stable water supply during dry months. 

The Balog-Balog project includes flood control and a power component to guarantee reliable irrigation even during prolonged droughts.

“Gusto natin ang win-win solution. Panalo ang mga magsasaka, panalo ang mga komunidad, panalo ang ating food security (We want a win-win solution. The farmers win, the communities win, and our food security wins),” he added.

Gatchalian said his ongoing site inspections aim to give lawmakers a clearer picture of priority infrastructure needs before budget hearings formally begin. 

He stressed that sustained investment in irrigation systems is key to reducing dependence on food imports and strengthening the resilience of the agriculture sector.

With climate variability intensifying and water security becoming more critical, the senator stressed that irrigation funding will be among the priorities he intends to defend, and potentially expand, in the upcoming 2027 budget deliberations.