PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday directed the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) to be more responsive and immediately attend to the needs of farmers, apart from addressing irrigation problems nationwide.
The President, during the turnover of the third tranche of the NIA’s re-fleeting program in Taguig City, acknowledged the hard work and service that the agency had extended to the farmers nationwide but asked them to further improve their service to the farmers.
“Makinig sa kanilang mga hinaing. Huwag hintayin na sila ay lumapit sa inyo. Kayo na ang umikot sa ating mga magsasaka. Pabilisin ang tugon sa kanilang problema (Do not wait for the farmers to come to you; go out and reach out to the farmers. Accelerate your response to their concerns),” Marcos said.
“At higit sa lahat, maglingkod ng tapat. Huwag nating sasayangin ang tiwalang ipinagkaloob sa atin ng taumbayan (And above all, serve with honesty and integrity. Let us not waste the trust that the people have entrusted to us),” he added.
The President reiterated his administration’s respect and gratitude to farmers, saying that the government would not be able to match their contributions to and sacrifices for the country.
Marcos said farmers are one of the important pillars of the country and the administration would continue to pursue and improve programs to uplift their lives and promote their welfare.
During the event, the President turned over 229 newly procured operations and maintenance equipment and vehicles under the NIA’s re-fleeting program, which he said would enable the agency to repair damaged irrigation systems and construct new water projects.
It would also fast-track irrigation project development as part of broader efforts to strengthen the agriculture sector.
Marcos said these irrigation and water programs would benefit farmers, especially amid the effects of climate change and extreme weather conditions.
“That is why I ask all NIA personnel to take care of and correctly use the vehicles and facilities,” he added.
NIA currently manages 257 National Irrigation Systems and 8,802 Communal Irrigation Systems. The NIA is responsible for the repair, operation and maintenance of major canals and irrigation infrastructure.
